Paul Pogba, the World Cup winner, is finally set to return for AS Monaco against Rennes this Saturday, two and a half years after his last match, following injuries and a doping ban.
European football is preparing for a moment that once felt impossible: Paul Pogba is finally ready to return to an official match, more than two and a half years after his last professional appearance.
The French midfielder, now with AS Monaco, could play his first minutes this Saturday against Rennes, according to a report from L’Équipe, signaling “The Most Anticipated Comeback in French Football.”
Pogba’s debut had been scheduled twice before but was derailed, first by a muscle injury and then by an ankle issue.
This time, however, everything suggests the World Cup winner will step onto the pitch for the first time since his final match with Juventus against Empoli in Serie A.
Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli is exercising maximum caution after the false alarms of recent weeks. Pocognoli stated:
“We’ll judge him based on what he offers. I hope he’s close to playing, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. When he’s on the pitch, I see someone who is happy and determined to get back to his best level.”
The manager also highlighted Pogba’s importance as a leader: “Experienced players must guide the younger ones. If Paul is used effectively, the whole group benefits.
My job is to help make that happen.” Pocognoli added that the goal is to support the midfielder, noting, “If we can bring back his smile in an official match, that would be fantastic.
He has character, and I believe the mind controls many things.” Monaco currently sits sixth in Ligue 1, five points off a Champions League spot.