Paul Pogba named in Monaco squad, could return against Rennes | OneFootball

The French midfielder Paul Pogba was listed this Friday for the first time this season with his new club, Monaco, and may take the field against Rennes this weekend, for the 13th round of Ligue 1.

World champion with France in 2018, Pogba hadn't been listed for a game since September 3, 2023, when he was still with Juventus.

After that, he was suspended for doping and suffered a series of injuries that kept him away from the field.

If he plays this Saturday, Pogba will compete in his first game in the French league since the start of his career at Le Havre, before beginning his journey abroad, with stints at Manchester United and Juventus.

This Friday, before the last team practice for the game against Rennes, Monaco's coach, Sebastian Pocognoli, highlighted in a press conference the “positive feelings” he recently had with Pogba.

“He had the opportunity to be tested in real game conditions,” said Pocognoli. “During the FIFA date, we had more time to work on different tactical aspects and game patterns. He participated and that's a good sign.”

Pogba's return (32 years old), who joined the Principality's team this season with a contract until June 2027, was initially expected for October but was postponed due to physical issues, especially an ankle sprain.

The player is back on the list with prospects of participating in the 2026 World Cup, a goal that is still distant.

His last game for the French national team was on March 29, 2022, in the 5-0 victory over South Africa, entering 20 minutes into the second half of the friendly in place of forward Olivier Giroud.

Monaco reaches the 13th round of Ligue 1 in sixth place, seven points behind the leader Paris Saint-Germain.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.