'It doesn't make sense' - Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati weeks away from full training as Monaco coach reveals extent of ex-Man Utd and Barcelona stars' fitness issues

Fans are excited to watch Pogba return to football after he signed for the French club this summer almost two years since his last game, with Fati also joining him in an attempt to resurrect his career. However, Monaco head coach Adi Hutter did not have positive news with regards to the duo's fitness, conceding that his new signings are still a long way away from attending full training with the rest of the squad.

Pogba last played a competitive game of football in September 2023 as a Juventus player, before he was sentenced to an 18-month ban after he was found guilty of doping. On the other hand, Fati's career has been riddled with injuries, preventing him from reaching the heights he was once destined for. The Spaniard was unable to convince Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick of his talent, leading him to be relegated to a bench role. Often, he was not even used as a substitute. In July, Hutter emphasised on exactly the same while speaking about Fati and Pogba. The duo have not made a single appearance in the pre-season matches, and it's unlikely they will be match-fit by the time Ligue 1 kicks off.

Speaking to reporters, Hutter said: “I want [Fati] to return as soon as possible, but as we said at the beginning of the season, we have to be careful with Ansu. We have to get him in tune. It doesn’t make sense for him to return to the pitch as soon as possible only to get injured or have problems. We are doing everything possible for him. I’m happy with the current squad and we’ll see when Ansu returns, and Paul too.

“It can be complicated. I think that in ten or fifteen days he will be more present in training. For now, he is evaluating his treatment. Little by little, we hope to be able to bring him closer to the team. He knows football and is a high-level player. We have to get him in shape so that he can play good football while respecting our principles.”

Les Rouge et Blanc are scheduled to play two more friendlies — against Ajax on August 3 and Inter on August 8 — before playing the opening game of the new campaign on August 16, against Le Havre.