The professional football journey of former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has encountered yet another significant setback, casting a shadow over his much-anticipated return to competitive action. The French international, who joined AS Monaco on a free transfer last summer, has been omitted from the club's squad for the crucial knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, marking a fresh low in what has become a nightmare period for the player.
A Troubled Return to the Pitch
Pogba's return to football in November 2025 was heralded as a potential revival for the 32-year-old, coming just over two years after his previous appearance. His move to Monaco followed a reduced ban for testing positive for a banned substance, with the midfielder working diligently to rebuild his match fitness ahead of his debut. That long-awaited moment arrived as a late substitute in a Ligue 1 clash against Rennes, offering a glimmer of hope to fans and pundits alike.
Injury Woes and Squad Exclusion
However, optimism has quickly faded. Pogba managed only two further substitute appearances before succumbing to a calf injury that has sidelined him for Monaco's last nine matches across all competitions. This persistent fitness issue has now culminated in his exclusion from the Champions League knockout squad, a decision confirmed by Monaco director Thiago Scuro in a recent press conference.
Scuro's comments, reported by RMCSport, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Pogba's recovery. "The entire medical department is focused on finding solutions," he stated, adding, "There's no clear answer to that question. We still need to develop the process to clarify the situation. As with any injury, the first step will be to get back on the pitch, then continue to progress in training to regain the necessary fitness to play."
Monaco's Squad Adjustments
Pogba is not alone in being left out of Monaco's European plans. Defender Mohammed Salisu and midfielder Takumi Minamino have also been removed from the squad due to their own injury concerns. In their place, the club has registered January signings Wout Faes and Simon Adringra, alongside Krépin Diatta, as they prepare for a demanding schedule.
Monaco's immediate focus shifts to domestic cup action, with a French Cup round of 16 tie against Strasbourg on Thursday evening. Attention will then turn to European competition, as they host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash on Tuesday, 17 February. The return leg at the Parc des Princes follows on Wednesday, 25 February, with the winners advancing to face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16.
A Career at a Crossroads
For Pogba, this latest development represents more than just a temporary setback. It underscores the ongoing challenges he faces in resurrecting a career once marked by world-class performances and major trophies. With his fitness in doubt and now missing out on elite European football, the pressure mounts for the midfielder to prove he can still contribute at the highest level.
As Monaco navigate a pivotal period in their season, Pogba's absence from their Champions League squad serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sport. Supporters and observers alike will be watching closely to see if this talented but troubled star can overcome adversity once more.
