Monaco's Paul Pogba Set for Return After Doping Ban Reduction

Paul Pogba's return to action looms for AS Monaco

Paul Pogba is nearing a return to competitive football with AS Monaco after having his doping ban reduced. Here's the latest on his comeback.

“The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now...”

AS Monaco's Paul Pogba is getting close to making his competitive debut for the club, according to manager Sébastien Pocognoli. The midfielder has been sidelined since September 2023 and is still waiting to take the field in a competitive match.

Pocognoli cautioned against expecting too much too soon, highlighting the need for patience as Pogba gets back to full fitness. The France international joined Monaco on a free transfer in June, and fans are eagerly awaiting his debut.

Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old midfielder, is nearing a return to competitive action after his ban for doping was reduced. In February 2024, he was initially handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone levels. However, he successfully appealed the decision, and his ban was cut to 18 months.

Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli is optimistic about Pogba's impending return, saying, “For the moment, things are going well, I expect it to be a short time before he's back in the squad.” Pocognoli added a note of caution, stating, “When he returns, we'll need to work together to assess him as a player,” highlighting the need to evaluate Pogba's fitness and form upon his return.

“The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now,” he said. “Every player evolves according to their age and experience, so we'll have to judge him based on his background and his age.”

“From what I see, he still possesses the technique we know he has. The rhythm of the matches will give us some answers. He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco; in any case, it will be my role to try and guide him towards that level.”

Monaco, currently ranked sixth in the league standings, will face off against 13th-placed Nantes at Stade de la Beaujoire later today, with kickoff scheduled for 8:05 PM WAT. Monaco is favored to win, with odds of 1.68, while Nantes has a tougher task ahead, having lost their last five matches without a win in 83% of their games this season. Expect an attacking display, given the teams' head-to-head stats and Monaco's recent form, where they've scored six goals in their last five matches.