Paul Pogba officially returns to face Marseille

Paul Pogba is in contention to return for AS Monaco against Olympique de Marseille this weekend, with manager Sebastien Pocognoli, confirming the midfielder is now available for selection.

The former Manchester United midfielder has been out of competitive action since December following multiple separate injuries.

However, after returning to full training during the international break, Pogba could now feature in Sunday’s French Ligue 1 clash.

AS Monaco confirmed the update during the pre-match press conference.

Pocognoli stated that Paul Pogba is available and “has been training continuously with the group since the start of the international break.”

Pogba nearing competitive return after injury setback

Pogba’s potential return marks a significant moment in what has been a difficult spell since joining Monaco in the summer of 2025.

The 2018 World Cup winner has managed just 30 minutes in Ligue 1 this season.

He has struggled with recurring fitness issues, which have disrupted any consistent run in the side.

However, there have recently been some positive signs.

Pogba recently featured in a friendly against Brentford’s U23 side, scoring in a 25-minute cameo.

He has also spent time working on his fitness during the international break, including training sessions in Barcelona alongside teammate Ansu Fati.

According to Pocognoli, those efforts have translated into improved performances in training, putting Pogba firmly back in contention.

Does Paul Pogba deserve a starting place yet?

Despite being available, Pogba’s inclusion in the starting line-up remains far from guaranteed.

The midfielder has played very little competitive football over the past two years.

Pogba’s last regular involvement in competitive football came in September 2023, as a positive test for DHEA led to a suspension that month.

Although his doping ban was later reduced from the initial four-year ban to 18 months, he didn’t return to eligibility until March 2025.

That said, even before the ban, his 2022/23 season was limited to 10 appearances due to a whole range of injuries, including issues with his hamstring, knee, groin, meniscus and abductor.

So, by the time he joined Monaco last summer, he had been absent from competitive football for nearly three years.

Factor in the injuries that have restricted him to just 30 minutes of Ligue 1 action this season, and Sunday’s game against Marseille would represent only his second meaningful competitive appearance in well over two years.

While his recent return to training is hopeful, he’s severely lacking in match experience.

Monaco must weigh the risk of rushing him back and risking yet another injury against the potential reward of his quality in midfield.

At 33, Pogba is no longer at his physical peak, and careful management will be crucial.

However, his technical ability and experience could still offer Monaco something different, particularly in tight games.

What could Pogba bring to Monaco’s run-in?

Monaco remain in contention for Champions League qualification, and Pogba’s return could provide a timely boost.

The principality club sit just one point behind fourth spot and just three points off Marseille in third.

In the French Ligue 1, fourth would secure at least a UEFA Champions League play-off spot, while finishing third would guarantee direct qualification.

If Pogba can regain rhythm quickly, he offers creativity from deep midfield, a physical presence in key duels and big-game experience.

That could be vital as Monaco push towards the Champions League places.

However, expectations must remain realistic.

Pogba is unlikely to play a full role immediately and may instead be eased back into action over the coming weeks.

How far can Monaco go this season?

Monaco’s ambitions this season will largely depend on consistency in their remaining fixtures.

Pogba’s return adds depth, but it does not suddenly transform their prospects.

Instead, it provides an additional option – one that could become increasingly valuable if he builds momentum.

The key question now is not just whether Pogba can return, but whether he can still influence games at the highest level.

Sunday’s clash against Champions League qualification rivals Marseille may offer the first indication.