Monaco’s CEO has openly expressed his frustrations regarding Paul Pogba’s injury struggles since the 2018 World Cup winner joined the Ligue 1 club in June of last year. Despite signing a two-year deal after serving an 18-month ban for doping, Pogba has only been able to make three appearances for Monaco due to ongoing fitness challenges.
Initially welcomed with great enthusiasm by the club’s supporters, hopes were high that the 32-year-old midfielder would restore the brilliance of his earlier career. However, his return to competitive football has been far from smooth, as he has only accumulated a mere 30 minutes of playtime this season, with his last appearance dating back to December.
Currently sidelined due to a calf injury, Pogba is unable to participate in Monaco’s upcoming fixture against Lorient, casting doubt on his aspirations of making France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The team’s performance has also suffered, sitting ninth in the league with six losses in their last seven matches, and facing challenges in the Champions League standings.
CEO Thiago Scuro acknowledged the difficulties that have arisen in rehabilitating Pogba and getting him back up to speed. At a recent press conference, he revealed that the club’s fitness program for the midfielder has not progressed as anticipated. “Clearly, the programme for Paul is not working as we expected in the beginning. We are working hard to find solutions for him,” Scuro stated, emphasizing the evolving nature of Pogba’s rehabilitation plan due to a series of minor injuries.
Pogba’s uncertain fitness status raises questions about his future with the club. While a move away from Monaco could be on the horizon, Scuro noted the complexities surrounding Pogba’s contract make any such discussions premature. He stressed the importance of maintaining an honest relationship and the commitment to continue working on Pogba’s fitness.
As the possibility of returning to the pitch looms, Pogba remains determined to reclaim his spot in the national squad, following his last international appearance in 2022 and missing the 2022 World Cup due to knee surgery. Recently recognized at the Globe Soccer Awards with the Best Comeback Award, Pogba thanked his family for their unwavering support. If he can recover from his calf injury quickly, he may find an opportunity to feature against Juventus in Monaco’s final Champions League group phase match.
While Pogba’s current situation presents significant challenges, the hope remains that with perseverance and proper care, he can return to form and make an impactful comeback, both for Monaco and potentially for France on the world stage.