Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is "not trying to get ahead of himself", but hopes Paul Pogba is close to making his long-awaited debut.

Pogba joined Monaco in June after 18 months away from football following a doping ban.

He has not played a professional match since featuring in a 2-0 Serie A win over Empoli in September 2023.

However, Pogba is yet to make an appearance for his new side, having been hampered by injuries since moving back to France.

The 32-year-old was initially given a three-month rehabilitation timeline, which was extended shortly after.

While Pocognoli believes Monaco's Ligue 1 meeting with Rennes on Saturday will come too soon for Pogba, he is optimistic that he is closing in on a return.

"My communication will remain down-to-earth, like our internal analysis," Pocognoli told AFP when asked if Pogba was closer to achieving his goal of making a return.

"I said we'll judge him based on what he offers now. That's also out of kindness. I hope [he is close to playing]. But the last time I said that...

"So, I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. It will happen when it's meant to happen. All I can say is that, when he's on the pitch, I see someone who is happy and focused on getting back to the top level. There's no doubt about it."

Pogba stated at his unveiling that he is targeting a place in Didier Deschamps' 2026 World Cup squad, if he can get the game time he needs.

The Frenchman is a previous World Cup winner, triumphing in 2018, and also enjoyed spells at Manchester United and Juventus.

Pocognoli is confident Pogba will bring plenty to the table for Monaco once he is fully fit.

"During one of my first internal meetings, I spoke about the club's legacy. I believe that leaders, like Paul, must pass on their knowledge to the next generation, to the fans, to everyone involved with the club," he added.

"These experienced players must mentor the younger ones. I have to make sure they succeed. The more leaders we have, the more the pressure is distributed.

"If Paul is used effectively, the group can benefit from his influence."

Monaco sit sixth in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain after 12 games.