Paul Pogba Return Delayed: Monaco Confirm 3-Month Absence

Paul Pogba return hopes have once again been put on hold as AS Monaco’s sporting director Thiago Scuro revealed that the French midfielder is not expected back in competitive action until at least November, ruling him out of the opening stretch of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign.

Paul Pogba return timeline clarified by Monaco hierarchy

Scuro offered what he called a “realistic and honest” prognosis during a media briefing at the club’s La Turbie training base. He explained that specialist consultations in Italy and France all pointed to a three-month rehabilitation window, meaning the earliest feasible Paul Pogba return would coincide with the final international break of the calendar year. It is the most concrete update fans have received since the midfielder limped off while playing for Juventus in September 2023.

Inside the injury struggle and multiple setbacks

Pogba’s battle has been complicated. After hamstring and meniscus issues, the 31-year-old served a provisional suspension for a positive doping test involving elevated testosterone levels. Although the ban was eventually reduced on appeal, the enforced lay-off left both his match fitness and confidence at rock-bottom. With Monaco offering a fresh start, the club’s medical staff designed an individualized program that emphasises core strengthening, gradual pitch-based drills and a cautious increase in high-intensity sprints—key pillars for a successful Paul Pogba return.

Why Monaco are taking zero risks

Monaco’s recent history is littered with cautionary tales of talent undermined by recurring injuries. From Cesc Fàbregas to Aleksandr Golovin, the medical department has learned that rushing a marquee name rarely pays off. Hence, the decision to rule out any early-season cameo for Pogba was unanimous. Scuro stressed that monitoring collagen regeneration in the repaired meniscus is essential, adding that a premature Paul Pogba return could “undo months of hard work.”

How the delay impacts Monaco’s tactical plans

Coach Adi Hütter had initially sketched a 4-2-3-1 shape featuring Pogba as the left-sided double pivot, dictating tempo alongside Youssouf Fofana. Without him, Monaco will likely persist with Mohamed Camara or teenage prodigy Soungoutou Magassa. The staff believe the new midfield chemistry forged in Pogba’s absence will make the eventual Paul Pogba return even smoother, because he can be phased in without disrupting automatisms already honed in preseason.

Dressing-room morale and the Pogba effect

Although he is yet to pull on the red-and-white jersey in a competitive match, Pogba’s presence has boosted dressing-room morale. Teammates speak of his contagious charisma and willingness to share Champions League memories from Juventus and Manchester United. Scuro noted that “the Paul Pogba return is about more than minutes on the pitch; it’s a cultural upgrade for everyone at Monaco.”

What Pogba himself has said

On Instagram, the midfielder posted a brief message in French and Italian: “Deux/trois mois de plus… je reviendrai plus fort. Mai arrendersi!—Two/three more months… I’ll be back stronger. Never give up!” The caption was accompanied by a video of pool workouts, resistance-band lunges and ball-control drills. Sources close to the player insist he is “mentally refreshed” after the turbulence of 2023 and views the postponed Paul Pogba return as the final chapter of a long personal reboot.

Possible milestones on the road back

1. Late August: Clearance to join partial team training.
2. Mid-September: First non-contact friendly behind closed doors.
3. Early October: Full-contact sessions and minutes with Monaco II.
4. November 9-10: Potential squad inclusion for Ligue 1 Week 12, subject to no setbacks.
5. November 16: Likely first-team debut in the Coupe de France, offering a lower-pressure stage for the celebrated Paul Pogba return.

Comparisons with previous elite comebacks

Experts draw parallels between Pogba’s timeline and the meniscus rehabilitation of Kevin De Bruyne, who returned for Manchester City after 112 days. However, De Bruyne had no doping ban to navigate. That extra disruption explains why Monaco project around 90-100 days before any competitive Paul Pogba return.

Financial implications for Monaco

Pogba arrived on a free transfer but commands a salary believed to be €6 million net per season. Insurance offsets part of the wage while he is unregistered, yet matchday revenue tied to shirt sales and sponsorship activations will remain dormant until the Paul Pogba return becomes reality. Club executives are nevertheless convinced the long-term commercial upside outweighs the short-term cost.

Broader impact on Ligue 1 and France

A fully fit Pogba would instantly become one of the league’s marquee attractions, boosting broadcast negotiations for the French top flight. Deschamps’ France, meanwhile, could benefit from an additional midfield option ahead of EURO 2025 qualifying. Whether the Paul Pogba return will coincide with an international recall, however, hinges on form, fitness and lingering public scrutiny surrounding last year’s disciplinary saga.

Expert medical view

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jean-Marc Vuillermoz, who was not involved in the case, told L’Equipe: “A three-month plan is cautious but logical. The meniscus tolerates incremental load. The key to a successful Paul Pogba return lies in biomechanical symmetry—ensuring left and right legs produce near-identical force during acceleration.”

Fan reaction and expectations

Monaco ultras unfurled a banner reading “Reviens plus fort, Paul!” during a preseason friendly against Sampdoria. Social media, however, is split. Critics argue the star is past his peak, while supporters point to Monaco’s tradition of rejuvenating careers—from Radamel Falcao to James Rodríguez. Only the eventual Paul Pogba return will settle the debate.

Opinion: Patience now could pay off later

Too often clubs gamble on half-fit stars in search of early-season momentum. Monaco’s stance sets a refreshing precedent. If the science says November, fans should embrace the wait. A fully rehabilitated Pogba dictating play under the floodlights of Stade Louis-II could transform Monaco’s season—and perhaps reignite his own narrative. When the Paul Pogba return finally arrives, it may remind Europe why patience in football sometimes wins the biggest trophies.