Paul Pogba has been left out of Monaco’s Champions League squad ahead of their knockout playoff against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being included in Monaco’s European roster for the first half of the season, Pogba will now sit out this high-profile clash.
The midfielder has been working hard to regain full fitness, but injuries have limited his ability to play consistently. Monaco have opted to replace him with Krepin Diatta, Wout Faes, and Simon Adingra for the two-legged tie. Mohammed Salisu and Takumi Minamino also missed out due to injuries.
This development marks a new low in Pogba’s season, which has been plagued by setbacks. Once a World Cup winner and key player for top European clubs, he is now struggling to find regular playing time at Monaco.
A Difficult Comeback After Doping Ban
Pogba’s troubles began after a doping suspension in September 2023 while he was at Juventus. Initially handed a four-year ban, it was reduced to 18 months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. His contract at Juventus was terminated in November 2024.
He joined Monaco the following summer, giving him the chance to play in France for the first time. Pogba spent the early part of the 2025-26 season trying to regain match fitness after nearly two years without competitive football.
Despite these efforts, his appearances have been extremely limited. He has played only three Ligue 1 games this season, totaling just 30 minutes, while remaining an unused substitute in all Champions League group matches.
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Injuries Continue to Hamper Progress
Injuries have been a constant issue for Pogba this season. Problems with his calf, thigh, and ankle have kept him on the sidelines for extended periods, making a full comeback difficult. Monaco’s general manager, Thiago Scuro, acknowledged the challenge, saying the medical team is focused on finding solutions.
He added that Pogba must first return to the pitch and then gradually build up training intensity to regain fitness. The timing of these setbacks is particularly unfortunate as Monaco prepare for crucial matches against PSG. The club’s decision to leave him out of the squad highlights the severity of his fitness concerns.
Pogba’s Hopes for France Remain Alive
Despite a difficult club season, Pogba could still return to the French national team. Bacary Sagna suggested he might even feature in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2026 World Cup. Sagna explained that while Pogba may be physically behind due to long-term inactivity, his mental and technical abilities remain exceptional. He could still make an impact at the highest level if he returns to match fitness.
Pogba now faces a race against time to regain form. With three months until the World Cup squad is finalized, he has an opportunity to rebuild his career and prove he can still perform at both club and international level. If you want to know about other interesting football news developments, you can visit the link here. footballcoasters.co.uk.