Paul Pogba is on the verge of stepping back onto the pitch for the first time since his doping suspension, with Monaco preparing to name him in their squad for Saturday’s clash with Rennes. It marks a pivotal moment for the 32-year-old midfielder, whose career was frozen after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his original four-year ban to 19 months.
Pogba has not played a competitive match since September 2023, when he featured for Juventus against Empoli in Serie A. He has spent the past months rebuilding fitness in Monaco after signing for the club last summer. His debut was expected earlier this month against Lens, though an ankle setback forced the team to delay his return.
The former Manchester United star tested positive for DHEA in a sample collected in August 2023, prompting a provisional suspension in February 2024. Pogba has maintained that the substance entered his system through an unintentional supplement. The reduction of his ban allowed him to resume his career in March, opening a path back to top-flight football.
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A Ligue 1 appearance this weekend would be his first in the French top division. Pogba began his youth career at Le Havre before leaving for Manchester United without featuring in the senior team. His breakout years came at Juventus after moving there on a free transfer in 2012. Four years later he rejoined United for £89 million, then the world’s highest transfer fee. His second spell in Turin was cut short after injuries limited him to just 12 matches, leading to a mutual termination of his contract.
Pogba remains one of France’s most celebrated midfielders, having scored in the 2018 World Cup final where France defeated Croatia 4-2. A successful Pogba Set for Dramatic Return as Monaco Prepare to End His 19-Month Exile
