Paul Pogba Returns: Monaco Set for Star’s Comeback

Paul Pogba’s long-awaited return to football is finally here. After a 26-month absence caused by a doping ban, the French midfielder is poised to make his competitive comeback with AS Monaco, as the club prepares to include him in their matchday squad against Rennes this weekend.

Pogba’s Journey Back to Football

Pogba’s football journey took a dramatic pause in September 2023, after a brief appearance for Juventus in Serie A. That cameo would mark his last act for the Italian giants as he soon tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance. Pogba consistently asserted that the substance entered his system inadvertently due to nutritional supplements he believed were safe. Initially, Italy’s anti-doping authorities handed him a four-year ban in February 2024, a decision that cast doubt over his illustrious career and future prospects.

Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ultimately reduced his ban to 18 months, allowing him to return from March 2025. Once his suspension ended, AS Monaco stepped in with a two-year contract, giving the 2018 World Cup winner a vital pathway back to top-flight football and a chance to restore his reputation.

Paul Pogba Poised for Monaco Debut

The past week marked a significant breakthrough in Pogba’s rehabilitation. Reports from France reveal that Pogba completed full training sessions with Monaco’s squad on both Thursday and Friday, clearing a major hurdle in his recovery. Provided he remains fully fit, Pogba is expected to travel with the team to face Rennes and could feature in his first top-tier match since his ban.

Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has mapped out a careful reintegration plan, aiming to gradually increase Pogba’s minutes on the pitch. The ultimate target is for Pogba to handle consecutive 90-minute matches with only brief recovery periods, a testament to the club’s belief in his enduring physical and technical qualities.

Setbacks and False Dawns

Pogba’s road to recovery has been anything but smooth. There were earlier hopes for his return in October, with a possible inclusion for the match against Angers. Unfortunately, a minor training injury delayed his comeback. A fresh setback followed with a grade-two ankle sprain, which forced another pause just as he was nearing full fitness. Despite these frustrations, Pogba has persevered, determined to reclaim his place at the top level.

Pogba’s Impact on Monaco and Ligue 1

Monaco currently sits sixth in Ligue 1, trailing Marseille by five points and Paris Saint-Germain by seven. The addition of Pogba to the squad is expected to provide the team with vital experience, leadership, and technical prowess. Coach Pocognoli, speaking to AFP, highlighted the midfielder’s influence: “Leaders like Paul must pass on their knowledge. Their experience is crucial for the development of our younger players and for the entire club.”

Pogba’s leadership will be especially significant as Monaco aims to close the gap on the league’s frontrunners. Wearing the iconic No. 8 shirt, he is ready to contribute both on and off the pitch, mentoring the next generation and helping the club strive for domestic success.

Pogba’s Hunger for International Redemption

Beyond his club ambitions, Pogba is also motivated by the prospect of reclaiming his spot in the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With 91 international caps and 11 goals, Pogba dreams of wearing the blue jersey once more. His performances in Ligue 1 will be crucial in catching the eye of national selectors, and Pogba himself is convinced that one more chapter in his international career remains unwritten.

Expert Opinion: The Significance of Pogba’s Return

Pogba’s return to competitive football with Monaco is a moment of redemption and hope, not just for the player but for the sport itself. His comeback after such a lengthy absence is a testament to resilience and determination. If Pogba can regain even a fraction of his world-class form, Monaco will become a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1. For Pogba, this is more than a return—it’s a chance to redefine his legacy on his own terms.

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