Paul Pogba’s (32) comeback hasn’t unfolded as expected. After being sidelined for two years due to a doping ban, it was anticipated that La Pioche would require time to regain his fitness.
Upon joining AS Monaco at the end of June, Pogba embarked on a three-month training program aimed at getting him back into shape. However, he faced minor setbacks that delayed his return until November. Even after making his comeback, he has faced difficulties in staying fit.
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So far, Pogba has played just over 30 minutes for the Monaco team. He suffered a calf injury in early December and has yet to resume first-team training. “It’s frustrating, not just for him but for the entire family,” shared Mathias Pogba, brother of the former Manchester United and Juventus star.
In an interview with RMC Sport, he said, “I told him he couldn’t expect to be back at 100% immediately. We were hoping for more from his return. But this is the reality; the body isn’t accustomed to such high-intensity activity. We’re not robots. A return needs to be gradual; otherwise, the body sends warning signals, which is exactly what has happened to him.”
Pogba joined Monaco with the intention of revitalizing his career and earning a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. However, those hopes are diminishing with each passing day.
Could Pogba’s contract be terminated early?
Despite the struggles, Mathias remains hopeful of seeing his brother return to peak form. “We are being patient and enduring. He’ll need to take his time to regain his best level. He is working hard. The mental aspect is the hardest part. There are so many expectations; you feel excited, only to face another setback. It’s about rebounding repeatedly. He has the desire to get back on the field but needs to listen to his body and take things slowly… we are approaching this day by day,” Mathias explained.
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Pogba’s contract with Monaco extends until the end of next season, yet the club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, has acknowledged that the current “program” isn’t yielding results. He hinted that if things do not improve, there may be a need for “another conversation” at the end of the season. When asked about a potential return date for the French international, Scuro was unable to provide a timeline.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle