The veteran striker has been out of play since hurting his left knee when AC Milan played Juventus in May.
But Pioli hopes to have him back in mid-September when Serie A resumes after the break for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers beginning at the end of this month.
"He is better physically. He hasn't yet rejoined the squad yet but next week will be very important as there will be a lot of ball work, If everything goes as well as I hope he could return to training with us (the squad) during the international break," Pioli told reporters ahead of Milan's opening match of the season at Sampdoria on Monday.
The former PSG forward's injury denied him from featuring for Sweden in the Euro 2020 after coming out of international retirement to play for his country in the tournament.
Pioli will now depend on new recruit Oliver Giroud to lead his attack against Sampdoria after the 34-year-old impressed in pre-season following his move from Chelsea.
Ibrahimovic, playing nineteen games last season scored 15 goals with two assists.
Milan had a good season last term and will want to challenge for the Scudetto this time around.
Ibrahimovic played a key role when Milan secured a Champions League spot for the first time in many years last season.
The bulky forward joined the Rossoneri from LA Galaxy in 2019 on a free transfer for a six-month deal, with an option to extend his contract until the end of the 2020–21 season.
