After more than two years of suspension and injuries, Paul Pogba is expected to make his return to the pitch for Monaco this week.

(Monaco, AFP) After 26 months away from the pitch due to injuries, a doping suspension, and an extortion case in which he was the victim, French midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to make his return for Monaco this Saturday (November 22) in an away Ligue 1 match against Rennes.

The 2018 World Cup winner has played only 12 matches over the past three seasons, having missed long stretches due to injuries, doping sanctions, and involvement in an extortion case.

Pogba failed a drug test after a Juventus match in August 2023 and was initially suspended for four years, later reduced to 18 months.

Despite the reduction, Juventus terminated his contract last November, ending his troubled second stint with the Italian giants.

In 2022, Pogba made headlines after being extorted for €13 million (about S$19.62 million) by a group led by his brother, Mathias Pogba—who was later sentenced to three years in prison, two of which were suspended.

Now 32, Pogba completed his suspension in March and was signed by Monaco, giving his career a much-needed restart.

He joined in the offseason but was initially kept on a personalised training regimen to help rebuild his fitness to elite competition standards.

A four-time Serie A champion with Juventus and a 2017 Europa League winner with Manchester United, Pogba had his comeback delayed twice due to injuries this autumn. He is now expected to finally make his Ligue 1 debut in his home country this weekend.

Although Ligue 1 returns after the international break, Pogba is unlikely to start against Rennes. Head coach Sébastien Pocognoli says he may only be introduced late in the match.

All eyes will be on Pogba once he steps onto the field. He has expressed his dream of returning to the French national team before the 2026 World Cup, though it remains to be seen whether his body can endure the demands of top-flight football.

“When you are French, playing for the national team is a dream,” Pogba said upon joining Monaco. “But everything has to be done step by step. This is the first stage: returning and performing… Your place is something you have to earn.”