Pogba set for Monaco debut after 26-month hiatus

The wait is finally over. Paul Pogba is set to make his long-awaited return to professional football this weekend, ending a 26-month absence from the sport.

The 2018 World Cup winner, who has not played a competitive minute since September 3, 2023, is expected to be named in the AS Monaco squad for their Ligue 1 clash against Rennes on Saturday.

The return marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the 32-year-old midfielder, whose career was derailed by a doping ban in late 2023. Initially handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that elevates testosterone Pogba maintained that the ingestion was accidental via nutritional supplements. His career was thrown a lifeline in February 2024 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban to 18 months.

Following the expiration of his suspension in March 2025, Monaco offered Pogba a route back to top-flight football, signing him to a two-year deal. After months of rebuilding his fitness, reports from L'Equipe confirm that Pogba completed full training sessions on Thursday without complications and is expected to travel with the team to Brittany for Saturday’s fixture.

The road to this weekend has been fraught with false starts. Pogba was initially tipped to return in October against Angers, but a knock in training delayed his comeback. A subsequent grade-two ankle sprain further stalled his progress earlier this month.

However, Monaco manager Sebastien Pocognoli has now expressed cautious optimism, viewing Pogba's return as a vital boost for a side currently sitting sixth in Ligue 1, seven points adrift of leaders PSG.

"When he's on the pitch, I see someone who is happy and focused on getting back to the top level," Pocognoli told reporters earlier this week. "Leaders like Paul must pass on their knowledge to the next generation... If Paul is used effectively, the group can benefit from his influence."

Pogba will wear the No. 8 shirt for Monaco, fueled by a personal ambition to regain his form in time to represent France at the 2026 World Cup. For now, however, simply stepping onto the pitch at Roazhon Park will be a victory in itself.