When will Paul Pogba play again? Midfielder given 'realistic and honest' timeline on long-awaited return as Monaco director confirms he will miss start of Ligue 1 campaign

Monaco director Thiago Scuro has ruled Pogba out of the club’s Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre, scheduled for the weekend of August 16. Speaking after Pogba’s official presentation, Scuro stated that the midfielder will not be ready in time and clarified that his comment about possibly playing in the opening match was made in jest. The club expect a three-month rehabilitation timeline before Pogba can return to competitive action.

Pogba, 32, joined Monaco following a lengthy suspension for a doping violation and has not played since September 2023. Monaco are proceeding cautiously with his reintegration, aiming to avoid setbacks. Scuro stressed that Monaco's approach requires a lot of physical intensity and that Pogba must get back in top shape before he can play again. The choice fits with Monaco's plan to slowly bring the former French international back into the highest level of football.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Scuro corrected Pogba's claim that he could feature against his former side in the first game, saying: "I can guarantee you that Paul won't be able to play against Le Havre. He must have been joking. We have to be realistic and honest. We expect a three-month process to be able to rehabilitate him. When you see it on TV, high-level sport can seem easy, but you have to realise the intensity required. And Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and in Europe in terms of play. So our players have to be very fit to be on the pitch. But it's our job to give him the tools to do that."

Pogba is expected to undergo a structured three-month rehabilitation programme under Monaco’s medical and fitness staff. He will miss at least the opening phase of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign, with a possible return timeline set for mid-November. Monaco's management has promised to help him every step of the way to make sure he is fully ready for his first game.