Paul Pogba return date revealed as Monaco coach Adi Hutter picks game ex-Man Utd midfielder could make his debut over two years since his last appearance

The Frenchman last played in September 2023 for Juventus before being hit with a doping ban. His suspension was cut from four years to 18 months in October 2024, and after leaving Juventus later that year, he signed for Monaco on a free transfer in the summer. The 32-year-old has been training regularly with his teammates since July, but has not yet been considered match fit. The Ligue 1 club had mapped out a three-month programme when he joined in June, aiming for a return in early October, but it appears he will have to wait a bit longer for his first game back.

Speaking before Monaco’s Champions League game against City, Hutter revealed that the Frenchman could possibly make his debut after the international break. 

“We maybe expected him to be in the squad against Nice, but we may need to wait until Angers…. we hope that, after the international break, he can play,” said the Monaco manager.  

Earlier, the Austrian coach had made it clear he would not rush the Frenchman back, emphasising that he wants to ease him in properly.

The 2018 World Cup winner’s career has been hit hard by controversies. His highly publicised and strained relationship with then-United manager Jose Mourinho put him in the wrong spotlight early on in his career. Off the pitch, Pogba was dragged into many controversies, the latest was his four-year doping ban in 2023 after testing positive for testosterone, a punishment later reduced to 18 months on appeal. Now, at Monaco, Pogba has a rare chance to turn the page.

Monaco are fourth in Ligue 1 with four wins and two losses, but suffered a 4-1 defeat to Club Brugge in their Champions League opener. With injuries to captain Denis Zakaria and Ansu Fati, Pogba’s return after the break could be a major boost for Hutter’s side. 

He is expected to miss Sunday's game against Nice, but the October 18 clash against Angers could see him back on the field.