Pogba set to return from drugs ban | OneFootball

Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba is finally set to end his long spell on the sidelines, with the 32-year-old expected to return from his doping ban this weekend.

Pogba joined Monaco last summer after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) slashed his four-year suspension to 19 months. He hasn’t played a competitive minute since September 2023, when he turned out for Juventus against Empoli.

Since arriving in the Principality, the former Manchester United star has been rebuilding his fitness. He was due to feature against Lens on 8 November, but an ankle injury pushed back his debut.

Now, Pogba is tipped to be included in Monaco’s squad for Saturday’s clash with Rennes.

His original four-year ban was imposed in February 2024 after he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during a routine check the previous August. Pogba insisted the result came from unknowingly taking a supplement containing a banned ingredient.

The 2018 World Cup winner was cleared to resume playing in March after the ruling was reduced.

If he steps on the pitch this weekend, it would not only be his first Monaco appearance — it would be his first-ever game in Ligue 1.