Paul Pogba Shines in Friendly Match as AS Monaco Eyes Champions League Qualification

AS Monaco’s pursuit of a Champions League position for the upcoming season received a potential boost with the return of midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba’s Return to Action

The veteran midfielder recently resumed light training after an extended period of rehabilitation due to a recurring left calf injury. During a friendly match against Brentford—a team from the Premier League—held on Thursday, Pogba managed to score, marking a significant step in his comeback.

Pogba’s Short Tenure at Monaco

The 2018 World Cup champion signed a two-year deal with Monaco last summer but has only participated in a mere 30 minutes of competitive play since his debut at the end of November.

Monaco’s Current Standing and Upcoming Matches

Currently, AS Monaco ranks sixth in Ligue 1, with just seven matches left in the season. The top three teams will qualify directly for next season’s Champions League, while the fourth-placed team will enter the qualifying rounds.

Under the guidance of Coach Sébastien Pocognoli, Monaco has revitalized its season, enjoying a six-match winning streak and sitting only three points behind third-placed Marseille. Following the international break, Monaco is set to host Marseille on April 5, and sources indicate that Pogba may be in contention to participate in this match or the subsequent game against Paris FC on April 10.

Pogba’s Career Highlights and Challenges

Pogba was pivotal in France’s World Cup victory against Croatia eight years ago and was once celebrated as one of the premier midfield talents globally. However, his career has faced numerous hurdles, including persistent thigh and ankle injuries after his arrival at Monaco, as well as a lengthy absence from the sport due to various off-field issues and a doping suspension.

In February, Monaco officially excluded the injured Pogba from their Champions League roster to accommodate a new signing made in January, which was crucial ahead of the playoff matchup against Paris Saint-Germain. In this encounter, PSG advanced with a narrow aggregate victory of 5-4.

Before joining Monaco, Pogba had notable stints with Juventus and Manchester United. He famously became the most expensive soccer player in history in 2016 when he returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a then-record fee of 105 million euros (approximately $116 million at the time).