Paul Pogba’s tenure at AS Monaco has faced significant challenges since his arrival last summer. The French midfielder has managed only 30 minutes of playtime for the Ligue 1 club, and disappointed fans will not see him in the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Pogba’s Absence in Champions League
Monaco’s head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, has opted not to register Pogba for the knockout phase of the tournament. This decision means that the former World Cup winner, who achieved glory with France in 2018, will not contribute to Monaco’s European campaign this season.
Pogba’s Injury Struggles
Pogba’s brief appearances for Monaco began on November 22, 2023. He played a mere four minutes in a match that ended in a 4-1 defeat against Rennes. Following that, he had short but encouraging stints against PSG and Brest. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his time at the club.
- In December, Pogba suffered a knee injury during warm-ups before a match against Galatasaray.
- The following day, he injured his calf, sidelining him for an extended period.
- Earlier that season, he also dealt with thigh and ankle injuries, which further delayed his return.
These injuries have raised doubts about his ability to regain peak performance after a long absence from competitive football.
Family Insights
Mathias Pogba, Paul’s brother, has shared insights into the frustration surrounding his brother’s situation. He noted that expectations were high upon Pogba’s return to the sport.
- “It’s frustrating for everyone in the family,” Mathias stated.
- He emphasized the need for caution during recovery, stating, “His body wasn’t used to that kind of high-intensity rhythm anymore.”
Future Plans for Pogba
Monaco’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, acknowledged that the initial plans for Pogba have not been successful. He mentioned that they are currently working on strategies to help him return to the pitch.
As the season progresses, discussions about Pogba’s future might arise. “If it does not work, for sure the parties can sit down in the summer and try to have another discussion,” Scuro remarked.
Background and Previous Success
Pogba’s football career includes a record-breaking transfer back to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for £89 million. During his time in Manchester, he earned significant accolades, including the UEFA Europa League title. However, his career faced setbacks, including injuries and a failed drugs test, which led to a suspension.
Currently, AS Monaco finds itself in a challenging position. The hopes of integrating Pogba into their squad have yet to materialize, leaving fans uncertain about his contributions moving forward.
