Will Paul Pogba return to the France squad? Didier Deschamps doesn't want to 'look like an idiot' as coach explains 'steps' midfielder must take as Monaco debut nears

After being hit with an 18-month ban from football for testing positive in doping tests, Pogba is inching closer to his much-anticipated return to football. Over the summer, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco and broke down in tears. The France international has already expressed his ambition to feature for Les Bleus at next year's World Cup.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Thursday, Deschamps said: "Yes, he's getting closer to the moment when he'll become a football player again. A return to the French team? That he wants it and that it's a goal in his mind, I have no doubt. After that, he has steps to take. The next one is when he has the Monaco jersey and sets foot on the pitch. I hope it goes well for him. After that, we'll see. That's all I wish for him, just to get through this first step. That will be a huge joy for him.

"Whether it's possible [to return to the France team], if I say yes, it will be: 'Wow, Pogba's back.' If I say no, I'll look like an idiot, so that's not going to work either. That's all the bad I wish for him to already get through this first stage."

It's been almost four years since Pogba last played a game for France and Deschamps. Indeed, the last time he featured for the 2018 World Cup winners was on March 29, 2022, in a friendly against South Africa. France registered a comfortable 5-0 win, with Pogba assisting Wissam Ben Yedder's goal to make it 4-0 after coming on as a substitute for Olivier Giroud in the 65th minute. 

In June, Monaco mapped out a three-month training program to help Pogba get up to speed after being out of action for two years. Head coach Adi Hutter reiterated back in July that the 32-year-old was still a long way away from regaining match fitness. However, fans can expect Pogba to make his Monaco debut this month, after Hutter confirmed earlier this week that the midfielder could be named in one of his squads after the international break. At the earliest, he could make his first appearance for Les Rouge et Blanc on October 18 against Angers.