Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old midfielder, was officially presented as an AS Monaco player on Thursday. Despite his unveiling, fans should not expect to see him make his first-team debut in the immediate future.
There is significant anticipation among supporters eager for Pogba`s return to the pitch after an absence spanning nearly two years. However, this comeback will require patience. Pogba himself expressed that it would be a valuable “extra motivation” if he could regain fitness in time to play against his former club, Le Havre AC, on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season in mid-August.
Following Pogba`s appearance, Monaco`s CEO, Thiago Scuro, offered a more grounded perspective on the timeline. Scuro stated clearly, “I can guarantee that he won’t be on the pitch against Le Havre. We are here to be realistic.” He further elaborated on the process needed for the player`s readiness. “We expect a three-month process,” said Scuro. He stressed that elite-level sport relies heavily on science and is demanding. He also pointed out that Monaco is one of the most physically intense teams in Ligue 1, employing a style of play that necessitates peak fitness levels from its players.
Scuro also indicated that the plan for Pogba in the upcoming weeks involves progressively “increasing the load” during training sessions. Based on this timeline and the expected three-month preparation period, it now appears improbable that the former Manchester United and Juventus star will make his competitive debut for AS Monaco before the beginning of October.
