Pogba Dropped from Monaco’s Champions League Squad

Paul Pogba’s turbulent Monaco season has taken another unfortunate turn as the former Manchester United midfielder has been excluded from the club’s Champions League squad ahead of their critical play-off clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Paul Pogba’s Monaco Journey Hits Another Setback

Paul Pogba’s hopes for a triumphant return to top-level football have suffered as Monaco confirmed his removal from their European squad for the knockout phase. After battling a series of injuries and working meticulously towards full fitness, Pogba’s omission comes at a crucial moment, with Monaco preparing to face French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Pogba’s Return from Doping Ban and Move to Monaco

Pogba’s career trajectory changed dramatically following his doping suspension in September 2023 while playing for Juventus. Initially handed a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024, Pogba’s penalty was later reduced to 18 months upon appeal. With his contract at Juventus terminated by mutual consent in November 2024, Pogba seized the opportunity to join Monaco the following summer. This marked the World Cup-winning midfielder’s first experience in French domestic football.

Injuries Stall Pogba’s Progress at Monaco

Despite his high-profile arrival, Pogba has managed only three brief Ligue 1 appearances this season, totaling just 30 minutes on the pitch. His absence from the Champions League group stage matches against Pafos and Galatasaray, where he remained an unused substitute, further highlights his ongoing battle with injuries. Calf, thigh, and ankle problems have plagued Pogba, preventing him from regaining match fitness after nearly two years away from competitive football.

Monaco’s Changes for PSG Showdown

According to RMC Sport, Pogba is one of three players—alongside Mohammed Salisu and Takumi Minamino—removed from Monaco’s Champions League squad due to persistent injury setbacks. The club has opted to bring in Krepin Diatta, Wout Faes, and Simon Adingra, recently signed from Sunderland, to strengthen the squad ahead of the two-legged tie against PSG.

Pogba’s Uncertain Road to Recovery

Speaking at Adingra’s unveiling, Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro addressed Pogba’s situation: “The entire medical department is focused on finding solutions. There’s no clear answer yet regarding his return. Our priority is to get him back on the pitch and then gradually increase his training workload until he’s ready for competitive football.”

France Comeback Still Possible?

Despite his recent setbacks, former French international Bacary Sagna remains optimistic about Pogba’s potential comeback for the national team. Sagna told GOAL that he believes Pogba could still make Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing his unique skill set and adaptability. “Physically, it’s a challenge,” Sagna admitted, “but he’s a special player. He doesn’t need to run as much—mentally and technically, he stands out. There’s always a place for such talent in the team, if he regains his fitness.”

What’s Next for Pogba and Monaco?

With Monaco’s Champions League journey continuing without their marquee signing, questions remain over Pogba’s future at the club and his ability to return to top form. The coming months will be crucial as Pogba races to overcome his injuries and prove his value, both for club and country. Will he be able to deliver the performances that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders?

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Opinion: Time Running Out for Pogba’s Revival?

Pogba’s exclusion from Monaco’s Champions League squad is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. While his technical prowess is undeniable, recurring injuries and off-field issues have prevented him from making the expected impact since his return to French football. The hope for a late-career resurgence remains alive, but with each setback, the window narrows. Pogba’s immediate priority must be to regain his fitness—only then can he reignite his once-glittering career and possibly earn that surprise recall to the France squad.