After Doping Ban and Injuries, Another Chance Arises: World Champion Announces Return

Pulse Sports Team 18:39 - 26 March 2026

AS Monaco could receive a boost in their Champions League qualification bid with the return of a fit Paul Pogba. The French midfielder, after a lengthy absence due to a calf injury, has rejoined training and scored in a friendly match against Brentford's 'B' team on Thursday.

The 2018 World Cup winner has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and before signing with Monaco, he was sidelined for 18 months following a positive doping test. He arrived in France last summer but has only played 30 minutes since his November debut.

Three teams from the French league directly qualify for the Champions League, with a fourth entering the qualification rounds. "The Monegasques" currently sit in 6th place, seven rounds before the season's end, trailing third-placed Olympique Marseille by three points. In their first match after the ongoing international break, Monaco will host Marseille.