AS Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba suffered a left thigh injury during pre-season training at St George's Park on Tuesday, casting fresh doubt over his future at the club.
The 2018 world champion was injured during a training match on the first day of Monaco's training camp at the English national football centre. Head coach Filipe Luis gave a day of rest to the 33 players selected for the camp following Monaco's 3-2 win against Liverpool on Sunday, a match in which Pogba did not play.
The training match marked Pogba's return to collective squad sessions after being hampered for a long time by regular discomfort in his right knee. However, he sustained a new injury to his left thigh during the session.
Limited playing time and fitness issues
Since the start of pre-season preparations, the 33-year-old midfielder has played only 45 minutes for Monaco. That single appearance came in the second half of a match against Saint-Priest on July 18, where Pogba played alongside members of Monaco's reserve team. Although his technical quality showed at times, he suffered greatly physically.
The injury follows a difficult previous campaign in Ligue 1, during which Pogba featured in just six partial matches for a total of 115 minutes.
Club expectations and contract termination
In early July, during the presentation of head coach Filipe Luis, AS Monaco general director Thiago Scuro spoke about Pogba's situation. Scuro described the relationship between the club and player as very open and transparent. He said that if a moment came where the player's expectations differed from those of the club, both sides would need to talk and find a solution. He added that sporting performance would provide all the necessary answers, noting that Pogba could either leave or stay.
According to sources close to the matter, the club's expectations regarding Pogba's ability to be ready for the official start of the season have not changed, but his current situation shows he is far from it.
According to daily newspaper Nice-Matin, Monaco management has already informed Pogba of its intention to terminate his contract before the end of the transfer window and reach a financial settlement with him. His contract with the club runs until June 2027.
