Pogba Left Out as Monaco Face Nottingham Forest in Pre-Season

Paul Pogba’s absence continues to be felt at AS Monaco as the star midfielder was excluded from the squad for their latest pre-season clash against Nottingham Forest. The move comes after Monaco’s head coach made a frank admission about Pogba’s fitness following his return from a doping ban, further delaying his much-anticipated debut.

Paul Pogba Still Awaiting Monaco Debut After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba, once the centerpiece of France’s midfield and a high-profile summer signing for Monaco, has yet to appear in the famous red and white. The French international joined Monaco after serving a lengthy doping suspension, raising hopes among fans of a fresh chapter for both player and club. However, Pogba’s name was conspicuously absent from the matchday squad, as Monaco took on Nottingham Forest in a closely watched pre-season friendly.

Monaco’s head coach addressed the situation candidly, stating that while Pogba is progressing in training, he is not yet at the fitness level required to compete. “Paul needs more time to reach his best form. We won’t rush him, especially after such a long layoff,” the coach explained. No clear timeline has been provided for Pogba’s return to competitive action, and supporters are left waiting anxiously for his first official appearance.

High-Profile Absences: Pogba and Fati Miss Out

The disappointment of Pogba’s omission was compounded by the absence of another marquee signing, Ansu Fati. The talented forward, also expected to inject creativity and flair into Monaco’s lineup, did not feature against Forest either. While Fati’s situation appears to be more precautionary, the absence of both stars was keenly felt.

As the team continues its pre-season preparations, the spotlight remains firmly on these two players. Their arrivals were meant to signal Monaco’s ambition for the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign, yet fans have been given no assurances on when they’ll see their new heroes in action.

Pogba’s Fitness Challenge and Monaco’s Patience

The aftermath of Pogba’s doping ban has made his path to match fitness more complicated. Beyond the physical challenges of regaining form after a lengthy suspension, Pogba must also overcome the mental hurdles associated with such a public setback. Monaco’s medical and coaching staff are taking a measured approach, ensuring the midfielder is 100% ready before returning to competitive play.

This careful management may prove crucial; Monaco cannot afford injury setbacks to their marquee signings as they aim for a strong start to the season. Supporters, while frustrated, may find solace in the club’s commitment to long-term results rather than rushing players back prematurely.

What’s Next for Monaco and Pogba?

With the new Ligue 1 season fast approaching, questions remain about how soon Pogba will be available. The club’s upcoming friendlies will offer further opportunities to integrate him into the squad, but only if his fitness progresses as planned. Ansu Fati’s timeline is also unclear, but the buzz around both stars continues to dominate Monaco headlines.

For the latest updates on Pogba, Fati, and Monaco’s preparations, fans are encouraged to follow official channels and visit for more news about team developments and upcoming fixtures.

Opinion: Patience Is Key for Pogba’s Monaco Impact

Bringing Paul Pogba into the fold was a bold move by AS Monaco, and while the wait for his debut has been longer than expected, patience will be essential. Rushing a player back after a significant layoff, especially following a doping ban, carries risks both physically and mentally. With Monaco’s ambitions clear, ensuring Pogba is fully fit could pay dividends in the long run, even if it means fans must wait a little longer to see their new star in action.