AS Monaco FC midfielder Paul Pogba continues to make encouraging progress in his return to competitive football after recently making his first start in three years.
The former Manchester United and Juventus FC star featured from the start against FC Metz last weekend, playing 60 minutes in what marked his longest appearance in a single game in four years.
Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli believes the midfielder is gradually regaining his rhythm and physical condition after spending a lengthy period away from action.
“I think he can grow in strength. If a player plays for the first time after so much time out, it is the same logic for a player that is coming back after two or three months out. You have to build that physical foundation. We can see him develop,” Pocognoli said during a press conference.
Defender Thilo Kehrer also backed Pogba to continue improving, praising the Frenchman’s mentality and attitude since returning to the squad.
“In the second match, the body adapts. I am convinced that he can build on that. He has a very strong mentality. Having seen him this week, the game time and having started a match have given him energy,” Kehrer stated.
Meanwhile, Monaco will be without Brazilian full-back Caio Henrique for Sunday’s clash against Lille OSC after the defender suffered another muscular setback during his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Henrique had returned to training with the first team and was closing in on a comeback before sustaining the latest issue. Pocognoli confirmed the Brazilian will miss the Lille fixture but could still return before the end of the season, with Monaco set to face RC Strasbourg Alsace in their final league match.
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