After a tumultuous period marked by injury and a doping suspension, midfielder Paul Pogba is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive football this weekend [[1]]. The 32-year-old, who signed with AS Monaco in June after his Juventus contract was terminated, is in contention to feature in Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Rennes [[3]]. The potential appearance marks a notable moment for both the player and the league, with even opposing manager Habib Beye expressing excitement at Pogba’s return to the pitch [[2]].
Paul Pogba could make his long-awaited return to French football this weekend when AS Monaco travels to face Rennes.
Stade Rennais will host AS Monaco this weekend for the 13th matchday of Ligue 1. After more than two years since his last official match with Juventus – a period marked by a doping suspension and subsequent physical setbacks following his move to Monaco last summer – Paul Pogba is in contention to feature in the Monégasque squad.
Rennes manager Habib Beye expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing the midfielder back on the pitch in France. “I am very happy, because I admire the player he is, the immense player he has been and everything he has brought to football. When you love this sport, you love Pogba for what he does,” the coach stated in a press conference.
Beye dismissed any talk of Pogba being a player of the past, and welcomed his return to Ligue 1. “I will never speak of the player he is in the past. Because I think that for Ligue 1, it’s magnificent to see him return to the Monaco group, it will be magnificent to see him back on the field, whether here or elsewhere,” he added.
A Return Filled with Emotion
The Senegalese coach paid tribute to the 32-year-old player and his challenging journey. “His story is not simple and I have a lot of affection for him. He is someone who has shown me immense respect. Above all, he is a lover of the game. Today, his only desire is to be able to express himself again. For Ligue 1 and as a football fan, I am happy to see him return to the highest level,” he concluded.
Pogba could also reunite with Brice Samba at Roazhon Park, having known the goalkeeper from their time together at Le Havre’s academy. “I am saddened by what he has gone through. I am not with him on a daily basis at Monaco and I don’t know how his body is reacting, but he is someone who never gives up. When he decides something, he achieves it. He has a huge mentality, and I can only wish him to regain his best level… after Saturday,” commented the Rennes shot-stopper.
Pogba’s potential return is a significant boost for Monaco as they look to climb the Ligue 1 table. The midfielder’s quality and experience could prove invaluable as the season progresses.
