More than two years after receiving a lengthy doping ban, Paul Pogba is expected to make his eagerly anticipated comeback to the field this weekend.
The 32-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba was supposed to make his Monaco debut last month, but days before the match, he sustained a muscle injury, devastating the supporters.
After that, his return was delayed until the beginning of this month. However, after suffering an ankle injury during training, Pogba was once again forced to withdraw from his team’s squad to play Paris FC at the last minute.
The World Cup winner will now be part of Monaco’s squad for their match against Rennes on Saturday, according to French publication L’Equipe, following several delays.
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The former Man United and Juventus player will make his first appearance on the field in over two and a half years, having previously played for the Old Lady against Empoli in Serie A.
However, after being irritated by several delays, Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli was understandably wary about the possibility of Pogba playing this weekend.
He told AFP on Monday, “My communication will stay grounded, like our internal analysis.”
“We’ll judge him according to what he offers,” I said. That’s also out of compassion. I’m hoping he’s almost ready to play.
However, I’m trying not to get ahead of myself because I said that last time. When it’s supposed to happen, it will. All I can say is that I see someone who is content and committed to returning to the highest level when he is on the field. There is no question about it.
“My job now is to assist him with the staff, and if we can even make him smile during professional matches, that will be fantastic,” Pocognoli continued.
Will it be simple? I’m not sure. However, Paul has a strong character, and we’re working on it. And I believe that a lot of things are controlled by the mind.
I discussed the club’s history at one of my first internal meetings. Leaders like Paul, in my opinion, need to impart their knowledge to the following generation, the supporters, and all club members.
The younger players need to be mentored by these seasoned players. I have to ensure their success. The pressure increases with the number of leaders we have. Paul’s influence can help the group if he is used well.
In September 2023, Pogba received a four-year doping ban, which was subsequently reduced to just eighteen months.
Last year, the Frenchman told Daily Mail Sport that he was going through “hell” when Juventus terminated his lucrative £200,000-per-week contract.
However, Pogba made a dramatic comeback from the football wilderness when he signed a two-year contract with AS Monaco in June of this year after learning that his ban had been shortened.
Then-manager Adi Hutter brought him to the Stade Louis II. Hutter was fired earlier this month due to a string of subpar performances, and Sebastien Pocognoli took his place.
Monaco is currently ranked sixth in Ligue 1, seven points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain and five points outside of a Champions League spot.
Brief Explanation Of Pogba’s case:
The Paul Pogba Doping Case: A Summary
The Paul Pogba doping case revolves around a positive test for the banned substance testosterone, which led to a significant suspension from professional football. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Positive Test: In August 2023, while playing for Juventus, Pogba tested positive for testosterone following a match. Testosterone is a performance-enhancing drug that is prohibited in sports.
- Initial Suspension: Following the positive test, Pogba was provisionally suspended. In February 2024, the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal issued a four-year ban, the standard penalty for a doping violation.
- Pogba’s Defense: Pogba and his legal team argued that the positive test was not intentional. They claimed that he had unknowingly ingested the substance through a supplement prescribed by a doctor. He maintained that he had no intention of cheating.
- Appeal and Reduction: Pogba appealed the four-year ban. His defense presented evidence and argued that he was not aware of the supplement’s contents. In October 2024, the appeal was successful, and the ban was reduced to 18 months. The reduction took into account the mitigating circumstances of his case.
- Return to Football: Following the reduced ban, Pogba is now eligible to return to professional football. He is set to make his Monaco debut, marking a significant comeback after a lengthy absence.