Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could finally be set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch after joining Monaco on a free transfer back in June
Paul Pogba looks on and smiles
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could be back in action this weekend for Monaco against Paris FC
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Monaco midfielder and former Manchester United star Paul Pogba could be set to play his first professional football match in over two years.
The Frenchman, who made a record-breaking return to Old Trafford in August 2016 for £89million, is now cleared to resume his professional football career following his ban after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA.
He left United once more on a free transfer in June 2022, rejoining Italian giants Juventus before leaving the Serie A club in November 2024 - despite having his four-year ban reduced on appeal.
Pogba was linked with several clubs once he was eligible to play again, including his former side, United. The 2018 World Cup winner won the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho during his second spell at M16, which was marked by inconsistent performances.
And it was confirmed in June that Pogba had signed for Monaco on a two-year deal - ending a nightmare spell following his drug ban. However, he has yet to make his debut for the club, having taken part in a three-month programme to bring him back to match sharpness.
But speaking after Monaco's 5-3 win over FC Nantes on Wednesday - the club's head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has revealed that Pogba could be set to make his debut for the Ligue 1 side. The 32-year-old could be in Monaco's squad for their clash against Paris FC on Saturday, with his last official match being for Juventus against Empoli on September 3, 2023.
“It is possible that he will be in the squad, yes,” Pocognoli said.
“Paul still has a training session on Thursday and if he is feeling good, we could see him again and he would be within the process that we fixed. It would not be illogical to see him.”
Monaco team-mate Maghnes Akliouche has previously praised Pogba's impact since signing for the club. "I know he works hard, he works well," the midfielder said.
"We also talk a lot with the physios. Having him with us is a pleasure for us."
Discussing Pogba's feelings he's shown ahead of his return to action, Akliouche added: "He has a lot of experience and he's a good person, he has a smile and that also brings us a lot to the group."
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