Pogba set for first Monaco appearance after 26 months away
Paul Pogba, 2018 World Cup champion and former French international, is expected to make his long-awaited return for AS Monaco on Saturday against Rennes, marking his first appearance in 26 months after a doping-related suspension. The update was confirmed by Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli during a press briefing on Friday.
The Belgian manager stated that Pogba “should rejoin the squad as planned, tomorrow against Stade Rennais,” emphasizing that the midfielder has successfully completed training sessions reproducing real match conditions.
Pocognoli added that the club will conduct a final assessment following Friday’s last training session to ensure the group’s readiness.
Signed last summer, Pogba saw his return repeatedly delayed due to thigh and ankle injuries. According to the coach, the 32-year-old midfielder followed a sequence of tailored training sessions and used the international break to rebuild his physical condition and work on tactical scenarios.
After serving an 18-month doping suspension, Pogba now hopes to revive his career and potentially earn a place in the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Monaco enters the weekend in a challenging phase, having failed to secure wins against Angers, Nice, Manchester City, and suffering a loss to Lorient. The absence of key figures such as Pogba and Lamine Camara has complicated Pocognoli’s efforts to establish a renewed style of play.
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