French Midfielder Faces New Thigh Injury
Paul Pogba, the prominent French midfielder, has encountered a fresh injury, casting uncertainty over his future with Monaco. The setback occurred during the initial day of Monaco's training camp in England, where the team was preparing for the upcoming season. Pogba reportedly injured his left thigh, marking another chapter in his recent struggles with fitness.
Recurrent Injury Woes and Limited Playtime
This latest injury compounds a series of physical challenges for the 33-year-old player. Prior to this incident, Pogba had been working his way back from a significant period battling right-knee problems. His participation in preseason matches for Monaco has been minimal, with the midfielder having only played one half of football so far. The new thigh injury suggests that Pogba is considerably short of the physical condition required to commence the French league season effectively.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the club is now evaluating Pogba's long-term prospects. Speculation has emerged regarding potential discussions between Monaco and Pogba's representatives concerning the possibility of terminating his contract prematurely. His current agreement with the club is set to conclude at the end of the forthcoming season.
A Challenged Return to Professional Football
Pogba's recent career has been significantly impacted by a four-year doping ban, which was ultimately reduced to 18 months. Upon his return to competitive football, he joined Monaco in 2025, marking his first senior club experience in his home country. However, his contributions to the team have been limited. During the previous season, he participated in only six Ligue 1 matches for Monaco, accumulating a mere 115 minutes on the field.
Career Trajectory: From Manchester United to Juventus and Back
Pogba's professional journey began at Manchester United, where he initially came through the youth ranks. A dispute with the then-manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, led to his departure on a free transfer to Juventus in 2012. During his first stint with the Italian club, Pogba achieved considerable success, winning four consecutive Serie A titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. His impressive performances prompted Manchester United to re-sign him in 2016 for a then-world record transfer fee of $120.2 million.
After a second spell at Old Trafford, Pogba returned to Juventus on another free transfer in 2022. However, his time there was cut short by the doping ban, leading to his release in 2024. Monaco then offered him a fresh start in 2025, bringing him back to French football.
International Career Highlights
On the international stage, Paul Pogba has been a key figure for the French national team. His last appearance for France was in 2022, during a 5-0 friendly victory against South Africa. This marked his 91st cap for the national side, during which he scored 11 goals. A crowning moment in his career came in 2018 when he was an integral part of the French squad that triumphed at the FIFA World Cup in Russia. He famously scored France's third goal in their 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, securing the coveted title.
As Pogba faces another period of rehabilitation, the focus remains on his ability to regain full fitness and whether Monaco will continue to support his journey back to consistent competitive play.
