We thought we would finally see him again. After weeks of progressive training and a hoped-for return for the Paris FC reception, Paul Pogba seemed ready to turn the page on his endless convalescence. History was to resume on the Rock, symbol of an expected renewal. But this Friday, Monaco formalized a new setback for the 2018 world champion. Yet another twist in a series that is starting to exhaust even the most optimistic.
Pogba, a new tile on his ankle
Hit in an ankle during Thursday’s session, Pogba did not take part in collective training this Friday. Sébastien Pocognoli, his coach, confirmed his withdrawal for Saturday’s meeting: “The ankle turned a little. We have to wait for the exams, but he couldn’t put his foot down 100%.” The incident occurred at the end of the session, during a harmless duel. The Monegasque staff wants to be reassuring, mentioning a possible sprain “low gravity”but the return of the French midfielder, already postponed several times, will not take place before the international break.
Since his free arrival in Monaco last July, Pogba has still not set foot on the pitch in an official competition. Three months of rehabilitation, a muscle injury in the thigh in October, then this sprain at the end of October: each recovery seems broken before it even begins. At 32, the former Juventus and Manchester United player is going through a succession of physical and psychological obstacles which make his redemption more and more uncertain.
Pogba injured in the ankle, Monaco holds its breath
The coach tries to put things into perspective
“It’s not easy for him, but we have to put it into perspective. If it’s two more weeks, it’s nothing after everything he’s been through.” confided Pocognoli, who tries to maintain a positive climate around his player. The Belgian technician salutes the Frenchman’s mentality and insists on
“the current Paul”aware that the 2018 world champion is no longer the same as in Turin or Old Trafford. For now, the club remains patient and continues to show its confidence.
But impatience is growing. Each additional injury takes Pogba a little further away from this symbolic return supposed to mark the reconstruction of his career. Suspended, injured, then relaunched without success, the French midfielder experiences an interminable twilight. Monaco, who bet on his experience and his aura, have still not seen a single minute of the player. And the question now is not just when Paul Pogba will play again – but if he will play again.
