Pogba set for long-awaited comeback as Ligue 1 returns

Paul Pogba is set to make his much-anticipated comeback to the field after more than two years away when Monaco visits Rennes this Saturday in Ligue 1.

The 2018 World Cup champion has only played 12 times in the last three seasons due to injuries, a doping ban, and being a victim in an extortion scheme.

In August 2023, Pogba tested positive for a banned substance after a game with Juventus and received a four-year suspension, later reduced to 18 months.

Nevertheless, the Italian club ended his contract last November, cutting short a disappointing second term in Turin marred by injuries and other complications.

In 2024, Pogba’s brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his involvement in a scheme to extort 13 million euros ($15.3 million) from Pogba in 2022.

However, the opportunity to revive his career arose for the 32-year-old as Ligue 1 club Monaco chose to take a chance on him once he became eligible again after finishing his suspension in March.

The highly talented midfielder joined the monaco team in the off-season but was initially held back as he adhered to a specialized regimen to prepare his body for high-level competition.

Pogba’s comeback has faced two setbacks this autumn due to injuries, but having secured four Italian league titles with Juventus and the 2017 Europa League with Manchester United, he is now looking forward to playing club football in his homeland for the first time in his professional history.

It is unlikely he will start at Roazhon Park against Rennes as Ligue 1 resumes following the international break, with Sebastien Pocognoli possibly using him in the closing stages of the match as sixth-placed Monaco continues to ease him back in.

Nonetheless, all attention will be directed at Pogba to see if his natural talent for recognizing and executing passes that few others could envision, let alone accomplish, has not faded over time.

Pogba has expressed his aspiration to return to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but it remains uncertain whether his body can meet the challenges of modern football for the remainder of the season.

“It is the aspiration of every football player in France to play for their national team, but there are certain phases,” Pogba stated after signing with Monaco.

“Currently, I am in the initial phase: returning and performing effectively.

“There are positions to compete for, and you must deserve them.”

In other Ligue 1 matches this weekend, top team Paris Saint-Germain faces Le Havre, third-placed Lens hosts fourth-placed Strasbourg, and fierce rivals Nice and Marseille clash.

Player to keep an eye on: Maghnes Akliouche
Recently having netted his first goal for the national team during France’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, Monaco forward Akliouche may greatly benefit from Pogba’s return.

At 23, he is regarded as one of the most promising players in Ligue 1 and is eager to secure a place in Didier Deschamps’ team for next summer's competition in North America.

This season, Akliouche has recorded three goals in 11 appearances, but the presence of a midfield playmaker like Pogba providing assists could enhance his performance in the upcoming matches.

Key statistics
26 – If Pogba plays for Monaco, it will mark his first competitive match in 26 months.

9 – Leading scorer Joaquin Panichelli from Strasbourg is at the top of the goal leaderboard, one goal ahead of Marseille’s Mason Greenwood and Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul, both of whom have eight.

2 – PSG has triumphed in their last two league matches, scoring goals in stoppage time.

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Nice v Marseille (1945)

Saturday

Lens v Strasbourg (1600), Rennes v Monaco (1800), Paris Saint-Germain v Le Havre (2005)

Sunday

Auxerre v Lyon (1400), Nantes v Lorient, Brest v Metz, Toulouse v Angers (all 1615), Lille v Paris FC (1945)

AFP

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