Paul Pogba Set for AS Monaco Debut Against Rennes After Long Absence

Paul Pogba is set to be included in the AS Monaco squad for their match against Rennes this Saturday in Brittany, with plans for him to play a few minutes, sources informed ESPN on Thursday.

The 32-year-old has not participated in a competitive game for 26 months, last playing for 28 minutes on September 3, 2023, for Juventus against Empoli (2-0).

Pogba has never competed in Ligue 1, having left Le Havre to join Manchester United at the age of 16.

In August 2023, he tested positive for DHEA, a substance that enhances testosterone levels, following a match against Udinese. Consequently, he was handed a four-year suspension in February 2024. Pogba has consistently maintained that the positive test was a mistake, attributed to taking food supplements that unknowingly contained an illicit substance.

Following an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his suspension to 18 months, allowing him to return to play in March 2025.

The France international, who has earned 91 caps and scored 11 goals, hopes to participate in the 2026 World Cup. He trained with the squad on Thursday and is scheduled to do so again on Friday. If he completes the session without any issues, he is expected to travel to Rennes and take to the pitch.

The plan is to gradually increase his playing time over the next few weeks, aiming for him to consistently play full matches three days apart, as he approaches his optimal physical condition.

Sebastien Pocognoli, the newly appointed manager of Monaco, has been in charge for just over a month. At 38, he is not much older than Pogba and is eager to have the 2018 World Cup winner back on the field to bolster the team’s performance. Currently, Monaco sits sixth in the league, trailing Marseille by five points and Paris Saint-Germain by seven.

Pogba was initially slated to play against Angers before the international break but sustained a minor ankle injury during training, which forced him to withdraw.

The wait for his return is now nearly over. Wearing the No. 8 jersey, Pogba is poised to resume his football career this weekend. Since joining Monaco on a two-year contract at the end of June, the club has implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation program to ensure his fitness and minimize the risk of injuries as he reintegrates into regular play. This program included extensive analysis, including biochemical data collection, postural assessments, mental resilience evaluations, and various fitness tests.

Over the past five months, sources indicate that Pogba has diligently worked towards making a comeback by the end of the year. His performance in training has been impressive, and he has emerged as a leader among a young squad that stands to benefit from his experience.

After Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024, Pogba took his time to select his next club. He received offers from across the globe but ultimately chose Monaco for its project, the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, and the role he would play within the team, along with the favorable living conditions for him and his family.