Pogba returns after 26 months, Monaco ready to unleash him in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Paul Pogba finally sees the end of the most complicated period of his career. After more than two years of forced absence due to injuries, suspensions, and off-field issues, the French midfielder is included for the first time in Monaco’s squad list.

Pogba, the real comeback: called up after 26 months. Monaco ready to launch him in Ligue 1

A step that could herald his official debut in Ligue 1 in the away match against Rennes, in a league where, paradoxically, he has never played.

Pogba, 26 months to see the pitch again: a restart sought and postponed

His last appearance dates back to September 3, 2023, in Empoli-Juventus. Since then, Pogba has entered a long tunnel of continuous stops, physical setbacks, and a series of events that have slowed his return to normality.

Monaco wanted him to offer a platform for relaunch and a stable technical environment, also useful for attempting a difficult but not impossible bid for the next World Cup. However, two comeback attempts—first in October, then at the beginning of November—fell through at the last moment: a muscle alert and a sprain to his left ankle forced further delays.

The international break helped him shake off the last discomforts and better absorb coach Pocognoli’s tactical ideas. Recent training sessions have provided encouraging responses, and today at 5 p.m. came the official announcement: Pogba is among those called up.

“La pioche” is back: Monaco’s social media announcement

The club from the Principality shared the news with irony, posting a video on social media featuring a pickaxe, the symbol of the midfielder’s nickname. A lighthearted way to mark a moment awaited for 26 months and full of sporting and personal significance.

For Pogba, it would be an absolute debut in the French top flight: in fact, he left for England at a very young age, moving from Manchester United’s youth academy to the first team, before his definitive breakthrough at Juventus and his return to Turin for what he himself called the first “Pogback.”

A player to rediscover: mental strength and technical identity

The 32-year-old midfielder approaches his possible return with a huge wealth of experience but with continuity to rebuild. The immediate goal is not only to get minutes under his belt, but to reaffirm a technical dimension that Monaco still considers to have high potential.

The club sees him as an addition capable of increasing quality in transitions, vision of play, and emotional leadership. In a young locker room, Pogba can serve as a technical and character catalyst, provided he regains his condition and manages his return without rushing.

Between past and future: the chance for redemption

The Frenchman’s recent history has been marked by heavy obstacles: the injury that stopped him in his second spell at Juventus, the suspension, and even the attempted extortion case involving his brother Mathias and some acquaintances. A sequence that has severely tested the player emotionally as well.

Now, however, it seems the time has come for the “real Pogback”: a comeback that is no longer just a hashtag, but a concrete opportunity to resume a career that until 2018 seemed destined for the top of world football.

The debut in Rennes: anticipation and caution

Pocognoli will decide whether to use him for a few minutes, but the simple call-up is a strong signal: Pogba is finally ready, or at least considered fit to return to competitive action.

Monaco does not want to rush things, but knows that even a Pogba close to his standards can make an impact on the season and influence the team’s playing structure.

Tomorrow could be the right day. In Rennes, the midfielder who has never set foot on a Ligue 1 pitch could write a new page in his own story.

A chapter that, this time, has the authentic flavor of a comeback.

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