Paul Pogba’s long-awaited return to professional football has suffered another setback after he was left out of AS Monaco’s squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The former Manchester United midfielder only returned to action in November following more than two years out of the game. Monaco signed him on a free transfer last June after he completed a reduced suspension for a doping violation.
Because of his lengthy absence, Pogba had to rebuild his match fitness before making his comeback. He eventually returned as a late substitute in a Ligue 1 clash against Stade Rennais in November and has since made two additional appearances from the bench.
However, a calf injury has sidelined him for Monaco’s last nine matches in all competitions, and he has now been omitted from the club’s Champions League knockout squad.
Sporting director Thiago Scuro addressed the situation in comments reported by RMC Sport, explaining that the club’s medical team is working to fully assess the problem.
“Our entire medical department is dedicated to finding solutions,” Scuro said, adding that there is currently no clear timeline for Pogba’s return. He stressed that the midfielder must first resume training before gradually building up the fitness required to compete at the highest level again.
Pogba is not the only absentee. Defender Mohammed Salisu and midfielder Takumi Minamino have also been excluded due to injuries. They have been replaced in the squad by January arrivals Wout Faes and Simon Adingra, while Krépin Diatta has also been added.
Monaco return to action away to RC Strasbourg Alsace in the Coupe de France round of 16 on Thursday evening. Their Champions League campaign resumes on February 17 with a first-leg playoff clash at home against Paris Saint-Germain, before the return leg at the Parc des Princes on February 25.
The winner of the tie will face either FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC in the round of 16.
