In a significant development for European football, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly been axed from Monaco's Champions League squad for the second half of the season. This decision marks another setback in the 32-year-old Frenchman's ongoing efforts to revive his career following an 18-month doping ban.
Career Resurgence Efforts Hit a Roadblock
Paul Pogba joined Monaco last June with high hopes of resurrecting his professional football journey after serving a lengthy suspension. However, his return to the pitch has been marred by persistent fitness issues and niggling injuries, complicating his path back to full competitive form. Having not played a single competitive match in over two years, Pogba faced an uphill battle to regain his previous stature in the sport.
Brief Return to Action and Ongoing Struggles
Pogba did manage to make a comeback on November 22, marking his first appearance in 811 days during a 4-1 defeat by Rennes. He later made two additional substitute appearances against Paris Saint-Germain and Brest, showing glimpses of his former self. Despite these efforts, his overall fitness and match readiness have remained inconsistent, leading to his exclusion from Monaco's crucial Champions League roster.
Monaco's Squad Adjustments for Knockout Stages
According to reports from French outlet RMC Sport, Pogba has been left out of Monaco's Champions League squad as the club prepares for the knockout round play-offs against PSG later this month. Under UEFA regulations, clubs are permitted to register three new players for the knockout stages, and Monaco has opted to make changes by also omitting Mohammed Salisu and Takumi Minamino from their updated squad list.
This strategic move by Monaco highlights the club's focus on fielding a fully fit and competitive team for the high-stakes matches ahead. Pogba's omission underscores the challenges athletes face when returning from extended bans and injuries, emphasizing the rigorous demands of top-tier European football.
