All eyes on Ibrahimovic as Los Angeles prepares for derby

Los Angeles Galaxy fans could get their first glimpse of Zlatan Ibrahimovic tomorrow as the Major League Soccer side gears up for a city derby with expansion team Los Angeles FC.

Tomorrow's clash -- dubbed "El Trafico" in a nod to the California metropolis's eternally gridlocked streets -- has been given an added edge by the Galaxy's capture of Ibrahimovic.

The 36-year-old Swedish striker's move to MLS from Manchester United was confirmed last week, with Ibrahimovic swiftly vowing to reignite the Galaxy's fortunes after they finished bottom of the league last season.

Ibrahimovic, who has not played since appearing for United in a 2-2 draw with Burnley in December, was only due to arrive in Los Angeles yesterday, giving him little time to acclimatise to his new surroundings.

However the Galaxy have pointedly stated that Ibrahimovic is available for tomorrow's game at the Stubhub Center.

Galaxy manager Sigi Schmid hinted that Ibrahimovic may well feature, fuelling the hype about the striker by stating this week that he is "not a normal, mortal human."
"He's a competitor. He loves to compete and he loves challenges. If you ask me is he 90 minutes fit for Saturday, no. But will he play a role in the game? Quite possibly."
- 'I have a lot to give' -
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"I think I have a lot to give, I can help them a lot. It's the best team in the US. There were no doubts."
"Is he the physical force who dominated the top levels of the game for well over a decade?" ESPN soccer writer Jeff Carlisle asked. "Or is LA getting a washed-up 36-year-old forward who isn't even a year removed from a devastating knee injury, and can no longer rely on his once-prodigious physical gifts?"