Heartbreak for Pogba as injury set-back ruins comeback plans

Paul Pogba's long-awaited return to football has suffered yet another heartbreaking delay, with the Monaco midfielder picking up an ankle injury just one day before his expected comeback.

The 32-year-old, who has been working tirelessly to rebuild fitness following a doping ban and earlier setbacks, is now unlikely to feature before the November international break.

Having signed a two-year deal with Monaco in June, Pogba has spent the past three months undergoing a personalised fitness programme.

The French star had already seen a planned return against Angers postponed due to a minor injury, but optimism surrounded this week as manager Sébastien Pocognoli hinted he could make the squad to face Paris FC.

That appearance would have marked Pogba’s first competitive outing since September 2023, when he last played for Juventus. Instead, tragedy struck on Thursday. Pocognoli confirmed the setback, revealing that Pogba suffered an ankle injury in training.

“We are awaiting confirmation of the severity of the injury,” he explained, expressing deep frustration as another timeline shifts and the wait continues. The disappointment feels just as bad for the fans, who were eager to see the ex-Juve star step back onto the pitch after more than two years away.

Despite the emotional blow, Monaco are trying to stay positive. Pocognoli stated that it is “hoped” the midfielder will only miss about two weeks, stressing that the medical staff are pushing to have him ready after the international break.

“The idea is that he can be available after the international break for the game against Stade Rennais on 22nd November. That is the plan that we are following. We are all disappointed,” the Monaco coach added.

Pogba's journey back to elite football has been long, painful, and riddled with setbacks, yet the club remains committed to supporting him through this final stretch.

Now all eyes turn to November, where the World Cup winner hopes the next chapter finally begins, not stalls again.