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Paul Pogba has made a much-anticipated return to action for Monaco, taking part in a pre-season friendly as he attempts to revive his career in the South of France. The World Cup-winning midfielder has endured a difficult spell at the Stade Louis II, but his recent appearance hints at the possibility of a renewed role under the club’s new management.

Midfielder back in action during pre-season win

Pogba made his on-field comeback for Monaco this Saturday, coming on in the second half of a pre-season clash against Saint-Priest. The Ligue 1 side secured an emphatic 5-2 win. Although the former Manchester United player neither scored nor provided an assist, his involvement was significant considering his long absence. The match offered Pogba a valuable chance to demonstrate his fitness and sharpness in front of the club’s new coaching staff.

The 33-year-old’s return comes at a decisive stage as he seeks to move past a disappointing debut season. Last campaign, he managed only 133 minutes of competitive football due to persistent injuries that hampered his first year back in France. Having started just one game — against Metz on May 2 — since joining the club, these pre-season minutes represent the first steps in what many hope will be a successful recovery for the midfielder, whose ability has never been in question when fully fit.

Future at Monaco remains uncertain

Despite returning to action, Pogba’s long-term future in Monaco is still unclear. The club’s general manager, Thiago Scuro, has been open about the possibility of the Frenchman leaving during the current transfer window. “Yes, of course,” Scuro said when asked if Pogba could depart. “Maybe he will leave, maybe he will stay. It’s a very complicated subject. We have a lot of respect for him as a person. When he arrived here, he was very positive and helped the younger players. But the truth is that the project didn’t work well last season.”

Monaco are currently assessing their squad depth and financial situation as they prepare for a campaign in the Conference League. Scuro reflected on the previous season’s disappointment, admitting, “When we started, our expectations were very different.” With Pogba entering the final year of his contract and drawing a substantial salary, the club’s leadership faces pressure to decide whether to persist with the experienced star or restructure the squad.

Filipe Luis to determine Pogba’s role

The arrival of Filipe Luis as Monaco’s new head coach has brought a fresh element to the situation. The former Atletico Madrid defender is tasked with making the final tactical decision regarding Pogba’s place in the team. Luis intends to use the remaining pre-season fixtures to evaluate whether the midfielder can adapt to his system. The coach’s intense training sessions will test Pogba’s ability to meet the physical demands of modern football at the top level.

Scuro underlined that the final decision will depend entirely on Pogba’s performance and physical condition. “I believe that now, we must be fair with him — monitor his preparation every week, assess his progress physically and technically,” Scuro explained. “After that, it will be up to the coach to decide whether Filipe Luis will give him playing time or not. We have the summer to see what Paul’s level will be.”

The road to redemption

Pogba’s tenure at Monaco follows a tumultuous few years, including a mutual contract termination with Juventus and a lengthy suspension due to a doping offence. His debut for Monaco last November marked his first competitive appearance in more than 800 days, making his subsequent injury troubles particularly painful. The club continues to monitor his recovery closely, hoping he can move past the thigh, calf, and ankle injuries that sidelined him for most of last season.

The Frenchman will have additional opportunities to prove his worth in the coming weeks as Monaco’s pre-season campaign continues. The team is set to face Sporting CP in another friendly next week, offering Pogba a further chance to impress and strengthen his case for a regular role.