Three questions about Paul Pogba's return

"For Paul Pogba, there is still a session today. We'll take stock of the squad's fitness after this session. Will he be in the squad [to face Rennes]? If the session goes well, that could happen," said Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli in Friday's press conference. Five months after signing the star, the Pogback has never been closer.

Why hasn't Paul Pogba played this season?

Since arriving in the Principality at the end of June, Pogba's return dates have been delayed on multiple occasions. Cautiousness has also been key with the 2018 World Champion. Since his signing, CEO Thiago Scuro has evoked a three-month programme. The hope was to see Paul Pogba back on the pitch in October.

In mid-August, the France international (91 caps) took part in warm-ups and a part of the collective training. But the 32-year-old French star's return was then delayed due to a thigh problem, sustained during the October international break, then by an ankle sprain a fortnight later.

At the start of October, Adi Hutter - then manager - announced that La Pioche could be ready for the trip to face Angers, after the international break (18th October). But a quadriceps issue put paid to those hopes and required an absence of "at least two weeks."

The wait is over 🔙

Paul Pogba is back pic.twitter.com/ekDCuke0qn
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) November 21, 2025

"It is the first negative since we started the process with him. As he has not been active in such a long time, it can happen. It isn't the end of the world. We have just delayed so that he can be more prepared," said Scuro.

In mid-October, Pogba made a return to a part of first-team training, for the first time under Sébastien Pocognoli. "This first step can take two or three weeks, but we can work on his performance and on consistency."

About 10 days later, his return on the pitches of Monaco's Performance Centre in La Turbie, Pogba was forced to push back an eventual return against Paris FC, on 1st November. It came as the result of an ankle injury, sustained in a duel in training. "We are all a little disappointed [...] he was ready and wanted to play," said the current Monaco manager.

Why has Sébastien Pocognoli been so cautious about the 'Pogback'?

Even just a few days ago (17th November), asked if Pogba had reached the end of the long road, Poconogli replied: "I hope so, but the last time I said that... (he injured his ankle) so I am trying not to get ahead of myself. It will happen when it is meant to happen."

Absent during the first 16 Monaco matches, Pogba is naturally an exceptional case. "I said that we would judge him on what he will offer us now. It is also out of kindness."

"All that I can tell you is that, when he is on the pitch, I see someone happy and focused on coming back to the top level. There is no doubt [about that]. My role now is to help him, along with the staff. And if we get there, it will be fantastic to give him a smile in a professional match," added Pocognoli.

What to expect from Pogba on his return?

After such a long absence, the expectations are as big as the questions are numerous. "If Paul is used well, the squad can benefit from his aura," analysed Pocognoli.

"The most important thing, in the short-term, is that he finds happiness and confidence in his play," said the manager. "He can rediscover his principles; we will be able to go from there. In the meantime, you have to stay focused on something very basic, with a process based on happiness."

Regarding Pogba, the Belgian manager asked that we "judge the player on what he is now", a means of warning that we can't immediately see the best version of the Monaco No.8.

"The Paul from Manchester or from his first period at Juventus was quite a few years ago," said Pocognoli. "Any player in the world evolves as he ages and because of his experiences. From what I have seen, he still has the technique that we remember. The rhythm of the match will give us indications about these questions. But naturally, we have a player with a different baggage compared to 10 years ago."

"He had been able to test himself in real match conditions. We have had a bit more time during this international break to work on different tactical aspects. He has participated in those; these are good signs," concluded the Monaco manager on Friday.

Now, everyone is looking forward to watching him and hopes to see the Pogback during Saturday's match against Rennes (19:00 CET)

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