French midfielder Paul Pogba could soon step back onto a professional football pitch after more than two years away. AS Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed that the 2018 World Cup champion is getting closer to being called up and making his long-awaited debut with the Principality club.

Pogba Ready to Return After Long Suspension

Since his last official match in September 2023, Pogba has been sidelined due to a four-year suspension handed down in February 2024 after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the ban to 18 months following a successful appeal, paving the way for an earlier comeback.

At 32, the former Juventus and Manchester United player is seeking a fresh start in Ligue 1, having joined Monaco as a free agent last June. Although coach Pocognoli expressed excitement about Pogba’s possible return, he also urged patience:
“So far, everything is going well. I hope he’ll be back in the squad soon. Once he is, we’ll assess his physical condition and see how he adapts to the match rhythm,” the coach explained.

The Belgian manager was also realistic, making it clear he does not expect to see the same Pogba who once dominated at the highest level:
“The Paul from Manchester United or his first spell at Juventus belongs to another time. Every player evolves with age and experience. The key will be helping him rediscover his best self within our project,” he added.

A Second Chance in the Principality

AS Monaco, currently sixth in Ligue 1, hopes Pogba’s return will bring leadership, creativity, and experience to a team looking to climb back into the top tier of French football.

“From what I’ve seen, he still has the technical ability we all know him for. Competitive rhythm will give us the answers we need, but I believe he can reach a high level here,” said Pocognoli, making it clear that his goal is to guide Pogba back to peak form.

The return of Paul Pogba would be great news not only for Monaco but for French football as a whole. After a long and difficult personal and professional journey, the midfielder appears ready to write a new chapter in his career—with the Principality as the stage for his redemption.