Inter striker Ibrahimovic does not need surgery

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's nagging knee injury does not require surgery and Inter are hopeful the Sweden striker will be ready for the start of the season, the head of the club's medical department said.

Reports in the Italian media questioned the condition of his left knee tendon after the Swede walked off just 20 minutes into his first training session.

The Inter forward had considered surgery for the recurring injury that has been troubling him for months, but decided to postpone so he could play in Euro 2008.

"Naturally our desire is to have him for the start of the championship. He's responding well (to treatment)," Franco Combi told a news conference.

"Obviously it would have been better had be not played in the European Championship, but the Swedish medical staff were very careful.

"We resumed the rehabilitation programme and at this moment we are not even considering the possibility of surgery.

"Besides, even if he did go under the knife, it would be to clean up the area. That would keep him out of action for at most three weeks and not the many months that were rumoured in the media."

Combi added that France captain and midfielder Patrick Vieira should be able to play in some pre-season friendlies next month after a thigh injury kept him out action during Euro 2008.