Paul Pogba's long-awaited return to the football pitch is taking longer than expected. Signed by AS Monaco with the ambition of reviving his career after a two-year absence due to a doping suspension, the 2018 World Cup winner is going through a particularly difficult period. Between recurring injuries and physical uncertainties, the midfielder hasn't played a single minute since early December 2025.

Upon his return, Pogba struggled to regain his top-level form. His body, put under considerable strain after a long period of inactivity, couldn't keep up with the demands of training and competition. Having suffered successive injuries to his thigh, ankle, and then calf, he was limited to a few fleeting appearances in Ligue 1, never managing to string together a regular run of games.

Sidelined since December 5, 2025, the French international of Guinean descent sees his return postponed week after week. AS Monaco, taking a cautious approach, has even removed him from its UEFA list, while the player himself remains unable to train without pain. A frustrating situation, confirmed by his brother Mathias Pogba, who spoke about it on RMC.

“Mentally, it’s very difficult. Not just for him, but for the whole family,” he confides. Aware of the demands of top-level football, the former player points out that a return to competition cannot be immediate after such a long break. “He hadn’t played for a long time. We were hoping for better, but the pitch and his body decided,” he summarizes.

Beyond the physical aspect, it's primarily the mental aspect that's worrying. "It's not just the body, it's the mind too. You come back with high expectations, enthusiasm, and then you get injured again. It's like a stab wound. You have to get back up every time," explains Mathias Pogba, describing a constant struggle between the desire to play again and the need not to rush things.

Faced with this situation, the only possible response remains work and patience. "We are not robots. The body sends signals and we must listen to them. It will continue to work, to heal itself. It's a long process," he assures, while admitting that the long-term outlook remains unclear.

Under contract with AS Monaco until 2027, Paul Pogba is now taking things one day at a time. "There are no plans beyond this season," admits his brother, leaving his future uncertain.

One question remains: will we ever see Paul Pogba play at the highest level again? For now, even those close to him are struggling to be optimistic.