Paul Pogba is set to make his long-awaited return for AS Monaco against Rennes on Saturday.
The 32-year-old is expected to play a few minutes as he gradually returns to full match action. Pogba has not played a professional game in 26 months. His last match was for Juventus on September 3, 2023, against Empoli.
The French midfielder, who has 91 caps and 11 goals for his country, has never played in Ligue 1. He left Le Havre for Manchester United at the age of 16.
In August 2023, Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone, after a match against Udinese. He was given a four-year ban in February 2024. Pogba said the positive test came from food supplements he took without knowing they contained banned substances.
On appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months, allowing him to play again from March 2025.
If his final training sessions go well, Pogba will travel to Rennes and take part in the game. Monaco plans to gradually increase his playing time over the next few weeks until he can play full matches regularly.
“Training has been excellent,” sources said, noting Pogba’s leadership in a young squad that needs his experience.
Since joining Monaco in June on a two-year deal, Pogba has followed a full fitness program to get match-ready and avoid injuries.
Monaco’s new coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, expressed excitement about Pogba’s return. The team is currently sixth in Ligue 1, five points behind second-place Marseille and seven behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.