The long-awaited return of Paul Pogba to professional football will have to wait a little longer. According to French outlet Nice-Matin, the 32-year-old midfielder has suffered a minor physical setback that once again delays his official debut with AS Monaco, the club he joined as a free agent this summer.

The 2018 World Cup champion with France seemed ready to play his first minutes in the Côte d’Azur Derby, but the coaching staff ultimately decided not to take any risks. After nearly two years away from competition — following his doping ban, which was reduced from four years to eighteen months — the Monaco staff has chosen to handle his recovery with extreme caution.

Pogba Caught Between Patience and Frustration

During preseason, Pogba had shown encouraging signs, taking part in several friendlies and raising hopes of seeing him back at the top level. However, this new muscle issue, suffered earlier in the week, could also rule him out of the upcoming match against Angers SCO, once the international break concludes.

At AS Monaco, the feeling is that rushing his return would be counterproductive. The French midfielder has gone more than 700 days without playing an official match, and the coaching staff led by Adi Hütter wants to ensure his comeback is both permanent and sustainable. “We know what Paul represents and how important he can be for us, but we want him back only when he’s truly at 100%,” a club source told the French newspaper.

The Contrast: Ansu Fati Shines While Pogba Waits

While Pogba continues his recovery, another name is lighting up the Principality. Ansu Fati, on loan from FC Barcelona, has found in Monaco the perfect stage to relaunch his career. The 22-year-old Spanish forward has already scored six goals this season, including a brace against Metz and another against Lorient, proving that his scoring touch remains intact.

Fati himself has expressed how happy he feels with his resurgence, crediting the club’s trust in him. “I’m really happy here. The plan Monaco laid out for me — and for Pogba — is working. I feel good and confident,” said the young striker after his latest goal.

For now, the Principality is living two sides of the same story: the excitement surrounding Ansu Fati’s rebirth and the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba’s long-awaited return. The AS Monaco faithful hope that sooner or later, the French midfielder will shine again with the brilliance that once lit up the world of football.