On September 3, 2023, Paul Pogba probably had no idea that he was going to play his last football match when he was launched in the 62nd minute by Massimiliano Allegri during a Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli. Two years and two months later, after a long suspension for doping (he tested positive for testosterone in August 2023) and more than four months of preparation with AS Monaco, the 2018 world champion will finally return to competition.
As expected, Pogba is in the AS Monaco group for the match against Stade Rennais, Saturday (7 p.m.), on behalf of the 13th day of Ligue 1. SĂ©bastien Pocognoli’s team remains on a defeat against RC Lens (1-4) before the international window and finds itself in 6th place in the French championship standings.
“La Pioche” should not have much playing time as the Monegasques continue important matches with a trip to Pafos, next Wednesday in the Champions League, then a shock against PSG, Saturday next week at Louis-II (5 p.m.). Pogba is ” happy “ And “focused on getting back to the highest level”as his Belgian coach explains.
Pogba, caution is required
“My communication will remain down to earth like our internal analysis. I said we would judge on what he will propose now. It is also out of kindness. I hope (his return). But the last time I said it… (he got hurt). So I try not to get too far ahead of myself. It will happen when it needs to happen”Pocognoli told AFP on Monday.
Paul Pogba, 32, will make his comeback on the field while ASM is recovering its two holding midfielders, both absent for many weeks, namely the captain Denis Zakaria and the prodigy Lamine Camara. Aleksandr Golovin was also used in midfield two weeks ago against Lensois.
