Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has returned to football with AS Monaco but his return to the pitch appears to still be some way off
Paul Pogba of AS Monaco smiles and looks on
Former Man United midfielder Paul Pogba signed for AS Monaco in June as he prepares for a return to the game
(Image: Getty Images)
AS Monaco boss Adi Hutter has provided an update on when former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could make his debut for the Ligue 1 club.
The Frenchman, who made a record-breaking return to Old Trafford in August 2016 for a staggering £89million, is now cleared to resume his professional football career following his ban after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA. He left once more on a free transfer in June 2022, rejoining Juventus before leaving the Italian club in November - despite having his four-year ban reduced on appeal.
The 2018 World Cup winner was linked with several clubs once he was eligible to play again, including his former side. Pogba had two stints at Old Trafford, clinching the League Cup and Europa League during his second spell, which was marked by inconsistent performances.
But it was confirmed in June that Pogba had signed for Monaco on a two-year deal - ending a nightmare spell following his drug ban. The 32-year-old was in line to make his debut for the French side against boyhood club Le Havre on August 16.
However, that will no longer happen with Hutter confirming that Pogba is still some way off, with another new signing in Ansu Fati to feature sooner for his side.
"Ansu Fati and he [Pogba] are doing a very good job," he said via RMC Sport.
"They are fighting to come back and be available for us as soon as possible. It will be sooner for Ansu than Paul.
"Paul is doing a good rehabilitation, but it's always difficult to give a forecast. We will have to wait a month for sure.
"For me, the most important thing is that he trains every day, and when the time is right, we will integrate him."
New teammate Maghnes Akliouche has also 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. 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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