Paul Pogba has offered a positive update on his recovery as he continues his bid to return to competitive action with Monaco, speaking publicly ahead of the club’s friendly against Inter Milan on Friday.
The 2018 World Cup winner, who has been sidelined for more than two years, expressed his excitement about being back on the pitch and his determination to rejoin the squad.
His comments come after Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro downplayed suggestions that the midfielder could feature in the Ligue 1 opener against his former club, Le Havre, on 16 August.
“I can guarantee Paul will not be able to play against Le Havre. He must have been joking about that. We need to be realistic and honest,” Scuro had said during Pogba’s official presentation on 3 July.
While Pogba had hoped for a dream return against his boyhood club, it now appears he will have to wait longer, with several reports indicating an October comeback as the more likely scenario.
Head coach Adi Hütter, speaking three weeks ago, confirmed that Pogba’s rehabilitation is progressing according to plan. He explained that both Pogba and teammate Ansu Fati are undergoing tailored fitness programmes to restore their physical condition and balance after long absences.
“They are working on their physical condition and balance. The situations are different. Ansu Fati is a bit closer to rejoining the squad. In Barcelona, he could not train properly, so we are working to get him back up to speed, but we must not rush.
Both of them are hungry for football and should join the team in the coming weeks,” Hütter noted.
Since then, Pogba has returned to ball work, although he remains on an individual training schedule. While not yet training fully with the group, he maintains close contact with his teammates and continues to push himself with enthusiasm.
Speaking to beIN Sports before Monaco’s clash with Inter Milan, Pogba shared his joy at being back on the training pitch. “I’m getting back to football, and I feel like a kid again. I’m preparing to join my teammates on the pitch – that’s my goal.
My fitness? Very good. The staff is taking great care of me. It’s only a matter of time before I’m at 100% and ready to give everything in a match,” he said.
The midfielder’s upbeat outlook will be welcomed by Monaco supporters eager to see him in action. While his long-awaited competitive return remains weeks away, his steady progress, commitment to recovery, and visible passion for the game suggest that Pogba is edging closer to wearing the Monaco shirt in an official fixture once again.
