Paul Pogba is poised to make his first competitive appearance in over two years when Monaco visit Rennes this Saturday in Ligue 1. The 2018 World Cup winner has been sidelined by injuries, a doping suspension, and legal issues, managing just 12 appearances across the past three seasons.
After completing an 18-month ban and leaving Juventus last November, Pogba signed for Monaco and has been following a tailored program to regain match fitness. He is unlikely to start against Rennes but could be introduced late in the game as Monaco eases him back into action.
Pogba has expressed ambitions to return to the France national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but his immediate focus is on regaining form and contributing to Monaco’s Ligue 1 campaign. His presence could also benefit young attacker Maghnes Akliouche, who may get a boost from Pogba’s creative influence in midfield.
Key stats:
- 26 months since Pogba’s last competitive appearance
- PSG leads Ligue 1 and has won two recent games with goals after the 90th minute
- Top scorer: Joaquin Panichelli (Strasbourg) – 9 goals
Fixtures (GMT):
- Friday: Nice v Marseille (1945)
- Saturday: Lens v Strasbourg (1600), Rennes v Monaco (1800), PSG v Le Havre (2005)
- Sunday: Auxerre v Lyon (1400), Nantes v Lorient, Brest v Metz, Toulouse v Angers (1615), Lille v Paris FC (1945)
