Pogba’s comeback delayed again: Monaco star suffers setback ahead of Champions League return

The long awaited return of Paul Pogba to competitive football has hit yet another snag sparking debate in France and beyond.

The Monaco midfielder who was cleared to play again at the start of 2025 after his doping suspension was reduced will now have to wait at least 2 more week before making his debut for the Ligue 1 side.

From 4 Year Ban to 18 Month: Pogba’s Road Back

Pogba 32 was initially handed 4 year suspension after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA in September 2023. However following successful appeal, the ban was reduced to 18 month making him eligible to return in Jan 2025.

The former Man United & Juventus star became free agent in November 2024 after terminating his contract with Juve which had been due to run until 2026 before signing free transfer to AS Monaco last summer.

New setback halts debut plans

Pogba had been expected to make his long awaited comeback this week against Angers but Monaco’s CEO Tiago Scuro revealed that minor injury setback has delayed those plans.

"We were expecting him to be available for the next match, But Paul suffered a small foot problem last week which will delay his return by at least 2 more week. This's the first setback we’ve faced since we started working with him" Scuro said via Get French Football News.

The executive stressed that the situation isn't alarming:

"Given how long he’s been out, these things can happen. It’s not the end of the world , we’ve decided to delay his return by couple of weeks to make sure he’s fully ready"

Champions League Absence & Upcoming Fixtures

The setback means Pogba will miss Monaco’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stade Louis II next Wednesday.

The Frenchman had been included in the club’s Champions League squad by former coach Adi Hutter but will now face race against time to feature before the November international break.

Monaco face demanding run of fixtures in the coming weeks including clashes with Toulouse, Nantes, Paris FC, Bodø/Glimt and Lens , and Pogba’s availability could prove crucial as the Principality club balance domestic ambitions with their European campaign.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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