Paul Pogba has been left out of AS Monaco's squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, marking another significant setback in the French midfielder's troubled career resurgence. The 32-year-old, who joined the principality club last June, continues to struggle with persistent fitness issues that have derailed his comeback ambitions.
A Career in Limbo
The former Manchester United star signed a two-year deal with Monaco following an 18-month doping ban that he previously described to Daily Mail Sport as "hell." Pogba had always maintained his innocence regarding the doping allegations, which originally resulted in a four-year suspension in February 2024 before being reduced on appeal. His lucrative contract with Juventus was terminated during this period, leaving him without a club until Monaco offered a lifeline last summer.
Frustrating Return to Action
Pogba's attempts to resurrect his career have been hampered by multiple physical setbacks. After not playing competitive football for two years, he finally made his Monaco debut on November 22nd, coming on as a substitute in an 811-day absence from professional matches. However, his return proved brief and challenging.
The midfielder managed only three substitute appearances totaling approximately 30 minutes before suffering a calf injury in early December that has kept him sidelined since. His limited involvement included cameos against Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain, and Brest, but he failed to make any meaningful impact during these brief outings.
Champions League Exclusion
According to reports from French outlet RMC Sport, Monaco have now officially excluded Pogba from their Champions League squad for the remainder of the European campaign. The club face Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout round play-offs later this month, and UEFA regulations permit teams to register three new players for this stage of the competition.
Monaco have removed Pogba alongside Mohammed Salisu and former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino from their European roster. Both Salisu and Minamino are ruled out for the season with serious knee injuries, while Pogba's omission stems from his ongoing fitness concerns rather than a season-ending problem.
Squad Reconfiguration
Replacing the excluded trio are new signings Wout Faes and Simon Adingra, alongside existing squad member Krepin Diatta. This strategic reshuffle reflects Monaco's need for fully fit players as they prepare for their crucial European fixtures against domestic rivals PSG.
Pogba had previously been named on the bench for two Champions League League Phase matches against Pafos and Galatasaray but failed to feature in either encounter. His continued absence from competitive action raises serious questions about his future at the Stade Louis II.
Club Concerns Mount
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro expressed growing concerns about Pogba's situation during recent public statements. Speaking in mid-January, Scuro admitted that "the plan implemented since Paul's arrival isn't working as expected," highlighting the club's frustration with the midfielder's prolonged rehabilitation.
At the unveiling of new signing Simon Adingra this week, Scuro addressed further questions about Pogba's fitness timeline. "The entire medical department is focused on finding solutions," he stated. "There's no clear answer to that question. We still need to develop the process to clarify the situation."
Uncertain Future
The Monaco executive outlined the challenging path ahead for Pogba, noting that "as with any injury, the first step will be to get back on the pitch, then continue to progress in training to regain the necessary fitness to play." This cautious approach underscores the complexity of Pogba's physical condition and the club's diminishing patience with his recovery timeline.
Pogba's exclusion from Monaco's Champions League squad represents another disappointing chapter in what was supposed to be a career revival. Having left France for Manchester United as a teenager, his return to French football was meant to rejuvenate his career after the doping controversy. Instead, persistent injuries have prevented him from making any substantial contribution to his new club.
The coming months will prove crucial for determining whether Pogba can overcome these latest obstacles or if his once-promising career will continue its downward trajectory. With Monaco focusing on their European ambitions without him, the pressure mounts for the World Cup winner to demonstrate he still has something to offer at the highest level of football.
