Paul Pogba warned against making Premier League return due to 'effort and intensity' as ex-France team-mate suggests midfielder must pick right time to stage comeback

Former France international Cabaye has warned Pogba against returning to the Premier League due to the division's toughness and intensity and also claimed this summer's Club World Cup would not be a good time for the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder to make his comeback.

Pogba has served an 18-month ban handed to him by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal after he failed a drug test and has been linked with a return to the Premier League. Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda recently said that would be a good idea to help the midfielder get ready for any potential involvement at the 2026 World Cup, but Cabaye has disagreed.

Speaking to listofsweepstakescasinos.com, Cabaye said: "I'm not sure that the Club World Cup is the right place for Paul Pogba to attempt his comeback. He's not played for a while now, so I think it's not the right time for him.

"I'm not certain that a move to the Premier League would be the right move for Pogba, and it's a really demanding league in terms of fitness, effort and intensity.

"It could be difficult for him. Of course, if Pogba does find his form once more, then he can be a really good leader for any side."

Pogba last played a competitive match back in September 2023, appearing as a substitute in Juventus' 2-0 win over Empoli. He had been allowed to leave United at the end of the 2021-22 season after his contract at Old Trafford expired.

Pogba has been honing his skills while he plots his next move, recently posting an update on Instagram. He has been linked with teams in Ligue 1, MLS and the Saudi Pro League, but remains without a contract for now.