Paul Pogba’s return to professional football is getting closer. After more than two years without playing an official match, the World Cup winner with France could finally wear the AS Monaco shirt after the October international break, according to his coach, Adi Hütter.

Two years away and a delayed comeback

Pogba’s last official appearance dates back to September 2023, when he was still at Juventus. Shortly after, he was suspended due to a doping case that initially handed him a four-year ban. However, in 2024 the sanction was reduced to 18 months, allowing the midfielder to sign with Monaco on a free transfer that summer.

Since his arrival in the Principality, the club had mapped out a three-month recovery plan in hopes of seeing him back in action by October. The 32-year-old has been training regularly since July, but the coaching staff still did not consider him fully match-fit.

Hütter circles the date

Ahead of the Champions League clash against Manchester City, Adi Hütter explained that the debut of his new star would not come as soon as expected. “We might have hoped to have him against Nice, but it will probably be for the game against Angers. After the international break, we expect him to play,” said the Austrian coach.

He also stressed that there is no intention to rush the Frenchman back: “We want him to return in the best conditions, without taking risks.”

A chance at redemption

Throughout his career, Pogba has been known as much for his talent as for controversy. His turbulent relationship with José Mourinho at Manchester United, multiple off-field rumors, and most notably the positive testosterone test in 2023 that led to his ban, all damaged the midfielder’s reputation. Now, with the Monaco jersey, he has the chance to write a new chapter and reclaim his lost prominence.

Monaco’s current context

The Monegasque side sits fourth in Ligue 1, with four wins and two losses to start the season. Europe has been another story: they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Club Brugge in their Champions League opener. With injuries to Denis Zakaria and Ansu Fati, Pogba’s return could provide a much-needed boost for the Principality’s team.

If all goes according to plan, October 18, in the away match against Angers, will mark the Frenchman’s long-awaited comeback, beginning a new chapter in his career.