Paul Pogba is on the verge of a comeback as he nears full fitness following an extensive injury layoff. This international break has been deemed critical for the 33-year-old midfielder, who resumed first-team training last week and is eager to make a significant impact for Monaco.
Pogba's Journey Back to Fitness
Pogba joined AS Monaco over the summer, signing a two-year contract with the club. However, his transition back into competitive football has been challenging, primarily due to the effects of a two-year doping ban that kept him sidelined. Since arriving at Monaco, he has made only three brief substitute appearances before suffering a calf injury at the beginning of December. The journey to regain match fitness has required patience and determination, but Pogba's recent return to training marks a hopeful turning point.
Look who’s back! Paul Pogba training with the first-team in La Turbie this morning. #ASMonaco pic.twitter.com/T4cluEQ3AG
— Luke Entwistle (@LukeEntwistle) March 20, 2026
Last week, Pogba participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly match at Monaco’s training facility in La Turbie, where he notably opened the scoring in a 2-1 defeat against Premier League team Brentford. His performance in this match demonstrated that he is regaining form and confidence just in time for the upcoming fixtures.
Eric Dier's Return and Team Outlook
In addition to Pogba, former Tottenham defender Eric Dier also took part in the friendly as he works towards full recovery from his own injury concerns. Dier's presence on the pitch adds depth to Monaco's defensive lineup, which will be crucial as the team approaches the final stretch of the Ligue 1 season.
⛏️ Paul Pogba (33) on the scoresheet for AS Monaco in a friendly defeat to Brentford.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 26, 2026
🇫🇷 The Frenchman is nearing a return, having been sidelined with a calf injury since the start of December.pic.twitter.com/Kb3koKUXsc
Looking ahead, Monaco's first match after the international break is against Olympique de Marseille. Positioned sixth in Ligue 1, the team is just three points shy of OM, making this upcoming clash vital for their ambitions to secure a higher league standing. With only seven games left in the season, both Pogba and Dier's returns could provide the spark needed to elevate Monaco’s performance in the pursuit of European competition next season.
