Paul Pogba is not playing today vs PSG as he has been sidelined by injuries and will miss the crucial clash. In their previous encounter, Monaco demonstrated a strong start against Paris Saint-Germain, securing a 2-0 lead by halftime. Yet, PSG rallied and staged a comeback, ultimately clinching a 3-2 victory, thus gaining a strategic edge for the next meeting at Parc des Princes.

The anticipation is building as fans prepare to see which team will secure a berth in the Round of 16. Monaco supporters will be crucial, with the club needing just one goal to tie the aggregate score and potentially push the match to a penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, PSG face a setback regarding their star player and current Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, who is not playing against Monaco today due to a calf injury sustained in the first leg.

Pogba’s potential return to the field

After sustaining an injury last December, Paul Pogba might soon rejoin the Monaco lineup, according to Sebastien Pocognoli. “His return is becoming clearer. We hope to have him back just before the break and to build with him during the international window. He’s fully focused on the team. His plan is well defined,” Pocognoli told reporters, via Yahoo Sports.

For those eager to see Pogba in Champions League action, Monaco must secure a victory over PSG. A tie or loss would change things for Monaco on their pursuit of the title.

With such high stakes, excitement builds for this marquee matchup in France. The last meeting showcased exceptional performances from both sides, culminating in a thrilling five-goal spectacle.

Pogba hasn’t played since December 5 with a recurring calf injury. The French, therefore, was excluded from Monaco’s Champions League squad for this knockout stages. Monaco have been let down by what was supposed to be a world class redemption signing for Pogba.

Even Pogba’s brother, Mathias, has spoken about his brother’s issues. “It’s frustrating, not just for him but for everyone in the family. I told him that he couldn’t be back at 100% straight away. We expected better from his return. But this is the reality. The body is not used to this sort of rhythm at high intensity.” Mathias also added, “We aren’t robots.”

Monaco vs PSG recent results are closer than one may think

PSG have ruled above France for more than a decade. Monaco have had their moments, but nothing to compare to PSG. However, the last 10 games between both show there is a close rivalry going on.

PSG do have the lead with five wins, but Monaco have won three of those games, and there are two draws. As a matter of fact, these two teams played each other in late November, 2025, and Monaco won despite playing the last 10 minutes with 10 men. However, this is the Champions League, this is a whole other level of competition.

Have Monaco missed Pogba?

Yes and no. For once, having someone as talented as Paul Pogba miss games is not nice for any team. Having said that, this version of Pogba is not the same one that carried the French national team to a World Cup title in 2018.

Monaco got used to not counting on Pogba for a while now. However, they hope he can be a good reinforcement once he heals. For now, Pogba is not only unfit to play, but also not at the level he once had.

Injuries have been the name of the game for Pogba in the 2025-26 campaign. And that is no different as Monaco host Juventus in a potential elimination game for the club from the principality. Pogba is dealing with a calf injury, which has left him out of Monaco’s active squad once again.

Though injuries and absentees have been a recurring theme for Pogba, fans across the globe hope he could make an appearance when facing his former club, Juventus, in such an exciting showdown in the UEFA Champions League. However, the story won’t be able to come full circle when Monaco take on ‘La Vecchia Signora’.

Injury-riddled season for Pogba

As reported by The Touchline on X, Pogba has played just 30 minutes across three appearances in the 2025-26 campaign. For a signing that drew worldwide attention and raised high expectations among fans in Monaco, the move for Pogba has been disastrous so far.

Where do Juventus and Monaco stand?

Heading into Matchday 8, Monaco (9 points) and Juventus (12 points) enter the game at Stade Louis II with different realities. The Italian side has already secured survival. A win could put Juventus through to the top 8, but not even a loss can knock them out of the playoff round.

Meanwhile, Monaco doesn’t enjoy such perks. Instead, they must win to secure a spot in the playoff stage. The top 8 fell out of reach after a 6-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Matchday 7. Moreover, a loss doesn’t automatically eliminate them from the competition, but it could require a near miracle for them to hold on to a spot among the top 24. Eight clubs remain on the outside looking in, and a misstep from Monaco could open the door for one of them.

Pogba isn’t playing for Monaco against Real Madrid today due to a calf injury that has kept him on the sidelines for much of the 2025-26 season. As a matter of fact, the midfielder has only made three appearances this campaign.

Without him, Monaco took the field in Madrid with Denis Sakaria and Jordan Teze pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Monaco’s lineup did include a notable name though, with former Barcelona sensation Ansu Fati playing as their attacking midfielder.

When was Paul Pogba’s last game?

Pogba hasn’t suited up for Monaco since December 5, when his side lost 1-0 to Brest in Ligue 1 play. That day, the former Manchester United star came off the bench after 69 minutes, replacing Mamadou Coulibaly.

At 32, the 2018 World Cup winner is still working to regain his best physical form. Pogba spent more than two years without playing from September 2023 to November 2025 due to a doping suspension.

With Monaco playing under the bright lights of the Bernabeu in the Champions League, many were hoping to see Pogba appear on the big stage. However, he wasn’t even on the matchday squad for the away team, as the club doesn’t want to rush his recovery.

The French midfielder has faced a four-year suspension for testosterone abuse, but the penalty was reduced to 18 months after it was revealed that the ingestion occurred unintentionally through a supplement prescribed by a medical doctor in Florida. Pogba is now eligible to return to action in March 2025.

Given Manchester City‘s ongoing injury troubles and recent player departures, adding Pogba could prove valuable for Guardiola’s squad. The 31-year-old player was once regarded as one of the world’s top midfielders, and his presence could strengthen a midfield that has been weakened by the loss of Rodri Hernández.

Guardiola has openly acknowledged that the team needs reinforcements, and with the club’s finances buoyed by player sales in recent seasons such as Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Cole Palmer, and Julian Alvarez, the acquisition of Pogba might not be the only move in the January transfer window.

Paul Pogba’s potential arrival would be significant for Guardiola, particularly with the midfield lacking depth after Rodri’s absence. The manager has previously expressed admiration for Paul’s abilities. It is true that his arrival in the Premier League a few years ago did not go as expected and disappointed many experts in the English league, but his performance was never bad. On the contrary, Pogba was very underrated because his individual performance was excellent, but Manchester United had a very bad sporting project and he was never surrounded by good players.

Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo’s time together at Manchester United

In the 2021-22 season, Cristiano Ronaldo made a return to the club that launched him into soccer’s elite, Manchester United. There, he reunited with Paul Pogba, who had joined the Red Devils in 2016 for a then-record $116 million transfer fee. However, their individual performances during that season could not have been more different.

CR7 enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 24 goals across all competitions and helping Manchester United reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. In contrast, Pogba faced a turbulent year, plagued by inconsistency and injury. The French midfielder played only 27 matches, scoring just one goal and providing nine assists. He also endured two significant injuries that kept him sidelined for a total of 129 days, disrupting his rhythm.

Despite his struggles, Pogba had moments of brilliance, showcasing his talent as both a box-to-box midfielder and playmaker. Together, Ronaldo and Pogba played key roles in memorable victories, including a dramatic 3-2 win over Tottenham.

This week, Paul Pogba terminated his contract with Juventus, which was originally set to expire in June 2026, following a doping violation. Although his initial four-year suspension was reduced to 18 months, making him eligible to return in March 2025, the Italian club opted to part ways with the midfielder and released him immediately.

In this context, Pogba’s future could lie in MLS. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on his official X account (formerly Twitter): “Pogba is training in Miami and is yet to line up a new club. He is open to playing for a team at the Club World Cup.”

This development has fueled speculation about Pogba potentially joining Inter Miami. While training in South Florida could be purely coincidental, it has sparked interest given his reported desire to participate in next summer’s Club World Cup—a tournament the Herons have qualified for.

While Inter Miami seem like a logical destination, Ben Jacobs highlighted that Pogba’s options extend beyond MLS. “Clubs in America, Europe, and the Middle East are all being considered,” he stated. Despite nearly two years of inactivity before his potential return, Pogba’s immense talent and experience continue to make him an attractive prospect for teams worldwide.

Do Inter Miami need Pogba?

Paul Pogba’s talent is undeniable. Over a decade in Europe’s elite leagues with Juventus and Manchester United, coupled with his World Cup-winning stint with France, solidifies his status as a top-tier player. However, his potential addition raises questions about Inter Miami’s squad balance.

Under head coach Gerardo Martino, Inter Miami have successfully integrated veterans like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba with younger players who provide the energy and physicality necessary for a competitive team.

Adding Pogba to the midfield could offer creative and technical advantages but may also risk defensive imbalances, especially given his age and physical condition following a lengthy absence from professional play.

The Club World Cup: A motivation for Pogba

One of Pogba’s reported motivations for returning to soccer is to compete in the expanded Club World Cup, set to take place next summer in the United States. This revamped tournament will feature 32 teams divided into groups of four, with the top 16 advancing to knockout rounds.

Inter Miami secured their spot in the tournament as MLS representatives after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. However, the Herons face a tough challenge against European giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. For Pogba, joining Inter Miami could offer the perfect stage to showcase his skills and compete against the world’s best clubs.

With the reduced suspension, Pogba can return to play for Juventus as soon as March 2025. He was originally facing a ban until August 2027. Italy’s anti-doping agency wanted the maximum penalty after his failed test, but Pogba has always claimed he didn’t knowingly take any banned substances.

Pogba played only 2 games last season for Juventus before his suspension was sanctioned. Had he served his full four years, he would be 34 years old by then.

Paul Pogba’s Statement After Suspension Lifted

Paul Pogba issued a statement: “As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters.”

What’s Next for Pogba? Starting in January, he will be able to train with Juventus, and two months later, he will be able to compete officially.

Pogba had only played 12 games in the last two seasons; his first year at Juventus was marred by injuries, and in his second, he was hit with the doping case.

Paul Pogba is a midfielder known for his imposing physique, his vision of the game and his ability to score goals. Throughout his career, he has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United and Juventus.

The 31-year-old has often found himself in the headlines during a colourful career, but in his heyday the box-to-box midfielder was one of the best in the world. Paul Pogba won the 2018 World Cup with France.

Paul Pogba out of the match against Portugal

Paul Pogba will be unavailable for the quarter-final match against Portugal due to a four-year ban after testing positive for doping while playing for Juventus. Pogba is currently in the first year of his ban, which will run until 2027. During this period, you will not be able to participate in any team.

The player expressed his disappointment with the suspension through social networks and made it clear that he will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Despite this obstacle, his legacy as a footballer remains relevant, and his fight to reverse the decision will be closely watched by fans and the sporting community

It’s not a huge surprise that Pogba is missing from the squad. The former Manchester United star hasn’t played for Les Bleus since a friendly against South Africa in 2022. The 31-year-old boasts an impressive career with France, tallying 91 caps, 11 goals, and 9 assists. He was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, even scoring in the final against Croatia.

Injuries have plagued Pogba’s career. A thigh injury kept him out of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, depriving France of one of their key players during a critical time. But why Didier Deschamps decided to leave Paul Pogba out of the roster?

Paul Pogba out of the match against Belgium

Paul Pogba will not feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium due to a four-year suspension following a positive drug test at Juventus. Pogba is currently in the first year of his suspension, which will run until 2027. During this period, he is ineligible to play for any team.

Pogba addressed the suspension on social media, expressing his disappointment and making it clear he will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Pogba’s career has been a blend of exceptional performances and intermittent struggles with form and fitness. Over the years, he has been a pivotal player for both his club and country, contributing significantly to France‘s success in the 2018 World Cup. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the midfield have made him an indispensable asset to the French national team.

However, Pogba’s journey has also been marred by injuries. In recent seasons, he has faced recurring issues that have kept him sidelined for extended periods. That is why many might think that a new injury, of the several he already had, could be the reason for his absence, which is not the case.

Paul Pogba out of Euro 2024

Just when it seemed that Paul Pogba had put his injury problems behind him and was ready to showcase his talent again, a new setback has shaken the French player. This blow could not only leave him out of Euro 2024 but might also precipitate his early retirement from professional soccer.

The midfielder has been banned for four years after a prohibited substance was found in his body. As a result, he will miss not only this tournament with his national team but also the 2026 World Cup, as his sanction extends until September 2027.

That ruling came down today from the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal, and hard, and in many ways excessive for a player with a first-time offense. The four-year ban was placed and a Juventus spokesman told the Guardian that “this morning we received the notice from the anti-doping agency that [Pogba] has been disqualified for four years”.

Pogba only got to play 8 games upon his return to Juventus in 2022, playing in only two games this season and effectively leaving the door open for USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie to claim a place in the starting lineup and becoming one of the team’s best players. Pogba’s lawyers stated they would appeal the decision.

Paul Pogba suspended for four years and future in soccer in doubt

At 30 years of age, Pogba would not be eligible to return to the game until 35, effectively ending his playing career which saw him have success with the French national team, Manchester United, and Juventus.

Pogba has won 12 senior championships in his career, 2 of them with France, most importantly the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

When one considers that Diego Maradona was only suspended for a year and a half for testing positive for cocaine and that Sandro Tonali of Newcastle is suspended for 10 months for betting, Pogba’s four-year ban is not only excessive but ridiculous.

Pogba will appeal his case, in which he admitted to consuming the prohibited substance by accident, to the arbitration court for sport in Switzerland.

Paul Pogba statement after ban

Pogba posted on his social media the following statement, “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” Pogba said.

“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.

“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”