Full Breakdown
Paul Pogba's Struggles at Monaco: Injury Setbacks and Future Uncertainty
1/14/2026, 11:57:43 PM
Current Situation and Challenges
Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old midfielder who joined AS Monaco last summer, has faced significant challenges in his attempt to revive his career. Since signing a two-year contract with the club, Pogba has played only 30 minutes across three Ligue 1 matches due to a series of injuries, the latest being a left calf injury sustained during training. Monaco's CEO, Thiago Scuro, acknowledged that the initial plan for Pogba "is not working," expressing frustration over the constant setbacks that have hindered his performance.
Background and Context
Pogba's move to Monaco came after an 18-month doping ban, during which he was initially banned for four years by Italy's anti-doping court after testing positive for testosterone while at Juventus. This ban was later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October 2024. His last competitive appearance for France was nearly four years ago, and he missed the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury. Despite these challenges, Pogba had hoped to return to form and regain a spot in the national team for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Official Statements and Responses
Thiago Scuro expressed his commitment to finding solutions for Pogba, stating, "Clearly, the programme for Paul is not working as we expected in the beginning. We are working hard to find solutions for him." He noted that Pogba is personally disturbed by the situation and that the plan for his rehabilitation is continuously evolving due to various small injuries. Scuro also hinted at potential clauses in Pogba's contract that could lead to a reassessment of his future at the club if his situation does not improve.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have pointed out that Pogba's ongoing injury issues raise concerns about his fitness and ability to contribute effectively to the team. The situation has become a source of frustration for both the club and fans, especially as Monaco currently sits in ninth place in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Lens by 17 points. The lack of impact from a player of Pogba's caliber has led to questions about the club's decision to sign him and the management of his rehabilitation process.
What's Next
As Pogba continues to recover from his injuries, the focus will be on whether he can regain his fitness in time to make a meaningful contribution to Monaco and potentially re-enter the conversation for the French national team ahead of the World Cup. The club and Pogba's representatives may need to engage in discussions regarding his future if his performance does not improve in the coming months.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Clearly, the programme for Paul is not working as we expected in the beginning. We are working hard to find solutions for him.” — Thiago Scuro, CEO of AS Monaco
- “The plan is always changing according to the situations that we face.” — Thiago Scuro, CEO of AS Monaco
