Paul Pogba suffers new blow as ex-Man United star's nightmare continues

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba returned to action with Monaco in November but has now suffered another blow

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has encountered another setback in his attempted comeback to professional football, having been excluded from Monaco's squad for the Champions League knockout rounds.

The Frenchman returned to action in November, more than two years after his last appearance on the pitch. Pogba joined Monaco on a free transfer in June following a reduced suspension for testing positive for a prohibited substance.

His debut was delayed whilst he rebuilt his match fitness after such an extended absence. That first appearance came off the bench in the Ligue 1 fixture against Rennes in November.

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Since then, Pogba has made two further substitute appearances but has been sidelined for the past nine matches across all competitions due to a calf problem. In the latest setback, the 32-year-old has been omitted from Monaco's Champions League knockout stage squad.

During a press conference, reported by RMCSport, Monaco director Thiago Scuro provided an update on the midfielder's situation. "The entire medical department is focused on finding solutions," he said.

When questioned about when Pogba might resume training, he responded: "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."

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In addition to Pogba, defender Mohammed Salisu and midfielder Takumi Minamino have been withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. January signings Wout Faes and Simon Adringra have been brought in as replacements, with Krépin Diatta also joining the squad.

Monaco will be back on the pitch on Thursday evening (8pm kick-off), as they face Strasbourg in the round of 16 stage of the French Cup. They will then return to Champions League action on Tuesday, 17 February, hosting PSG in the first leg of their play-off clash.

The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February (8pm kick-off) at the Parc des Princes. The victors will go on to face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16 stage.

Pogba spent several years at United across two spells, having initially joined the club aged 16. He departed for Juventus as a free agent in 2012, but returned for a then world-record fee in 2016.

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