Paul Pogba's Long-Awaited Return to Football Nears
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is on the verge of making his competitive return to football this weekend, potentially ending a professional exile that has stretched for over two years. The 32-year-old French international could be named in AS Monaco's matchday squad for their Saturday evening Ligue 1 clash against Rennes.
A Journey Marred by Suspension and Setbacks
Pogba's path back to the pitch has been complex. He hasn't played a competitive match since 3 September 2023, when he featured for Juventus in a Serie A victory over Empoli. His career was subsequently halted by a doping suspension, with an initial four-year ban reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal. He became eligible to play again in March of this year.
After his contract with Juventus was mutually terminated in mid-November last year, Pogba spent seven-and-a-half months as a free agent before signing with Monaco this summer. However, his planned debut has faced multiple delays. An initial target after the October international window was pushed back due to fitness concerns. A subsequent aim to feature against Paris FC at the beginning of November was then scrapped when the midfielder sustained an ankle injury during training.
Monaco's Cautious Approach and Champions League Ambitions
Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli expressed his disappointment at the latest delay, stating at the time, "We are all disappointed. We are awaiting confirmation of the severity of the injury. The idea is that he can be available after the international break; that is the plan that we are following."
According to reports from L'Equipe, the club is now finally prepared to include Pogba in the squad for the Rennes fixture. His return would be a significant boost for a Monaco side that currently sits sixth in the Ligue 1 table with 20 points from their opening 12 matches. The team also has a crucial Champions League group stage match against Pafos in Cyprus scheduled for Wednesday, where both teams have secured five points from their first four games.
Pogba's last appearance in the Champions League was for Manchester United in a Last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid back in March 2023. His career has included two spells at Old Trafford, first as a youth player and later in a high-profile £89 million return in 2016. During his time with United, he made 233 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 51 assists, while winning the League Cup and the Europa League.
