Franco-Guinean star Paul Pogba scores in Monaco friendly as he nears return

France international of Guinean descent Paul Pogba is edging closer to a long-awaited return to full fitness, with signs increasingly pointing to a competitive comeback for AS Monaco immediately after the international break.

The 33-year-old midfielder has endured a turbulent spell in recent years, and this latest international window was earmarked as a decisive period in his recovery journey. Having only rejoined first-team training last week, Pogba appears to be progressing on schedule after months of setbacks.

Pogba arrived in the Principality last summer on a two-year deal, aiming to rebuild his career following a lengthy absence from the game due to a doping ban that sidelined him for nearly two years. His return to action, however, was slow and cautious. He managed just three brief substitute appearances before suffering a calf injury in early December, halting his momentum once again.

Head coach Sébastien Pocognoli had previously outlined a clear recovery roadmap, targeting a return to training before the international break and a reintegration into the squad thereafter. That plan now appears to be unfolding as expected.

In a significant step forward, Pogba featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club’s training base in La Turbie on Thursday. The Frenchman made an instant impact, finding the net in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brentford’s U23 side. Fellow returnee Eric Dier also took part in the fixture, underlining a positive trend for Monaco on the injury front.

Attention now turns to a high-stakes Ligue 1 clash against Olympique de Marseille, which marks Monaco’s first outing after the international break. With just seven matches remaining in the campaign, the Principality side sit sixth in the table, only three points behind Marseille in third place.

Pogba’s potential return could provide a timely boost as Monaco push for a strong finish to the season and a possible European qualification spot. After a prolonged period on the sidelines, all eyes will be on whether “La Pioche” can rediscover his rhythm and influence when it matters most.