Pogba Returns to the Pitch After 26 Months: Monaco’s Bold Comeback Bet

Pogba’s Long-Awaited Return

A French journalist’s report confirms that veteran midfielder Paul Pogba, a key figure for Monaco, is poised to return to action after a lengthy spell away from the pitch—26 months behind him. The 32-year-old talent is expected to rejoin the squad for Monaco’s Ligue 1 clash with Rennes, a match that could mark the start of a new chapter in his storied career.

Lequipe, citing its online edition, notes that Pogba’s comeback would come after a saga filled with injuries, suspensions, and a fierce legal dispute with his brother. The report raises the question of whether the France great can recapture peak form after such a protracted layoff.

During his absence, Pogba has faced a complex journey, including a period under close scrutiny over anti-doping issues and lengthy rehabilitation. The piece highlights that Pogba has donned the France jersey 91 times, finding the net 11 times—a reminder of the high expectations that come with his talent.

The article mentions a prior plan for Pogba to play with Monaco against Angers, which was thwarted by a muscular injury. It also notes that his comeback was initially targeted for early November, only to be postponed by another ankle setback suffered in training. This sequence underscores how fragile comebacks can be for players returning from long absences.

Since signing a two-year deal with Monaco at the end of June, Pogba has undergone an intensive three-month program to restore peak fitness. His six-month suspension for anti-doping violations, originally four years, was reduced to 18 months after an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a detail that has colored the mood around his return.

Monaco’s manager has stressed a pragmatic approach: Pogba should be assessed based on his present condition, not compared to his former Manchester United or Juventus days. The coach emphasizes steady reintegration, with a few minutes in friendly games before stepping back into official Ligue 1 competition.

Fans are hopeful that Pogba’s international experience and trophy-winning pedigree—France’s World Cup 2018 winner—can provide both technical quality and leadership as Monaco eyes a late-season surge. The club currently sits sixth in Ligue 1 with 20 points, boasting six wins, two draws, and four losses for 24 goals scored and 21 conceded, chasing a higher finish and European qualification.

Four days later, Monaco is scheduled to travel for a European fixture, continuing Pogba’s reintroduction to top-level football and testing how quickly he can reach the rhythm of his teammates. Monaco sits 19th in their European group standings after four matches, with hopes that Pogba’s presence could flip the balance in the months ahead.

As the season progresses, Monaco hopes to leverage Pogba’s experience to bolster both form and morale, with the aim of competing for the top spots in Ligue 1 and making a stronger run in European competition. The looming question remains: can a player with such a storied résumé recapture the magic after a two-year pause?

Punchline time, because football loves a plot twist: Punchline 1 — If Pogba stays healthy, Monaco might finally earn enough midfield control to host a parade on the avenue of time. Punchline 2 — If not, at least we’ll have a masterclass in patience: two years of it, and the only thing louder than the supporters’ chants will be the referee’s whistle that learned how to take a vacation too.