Paul Pogba has been left out of AS Monaco’s UEFA Champions League squad, with the club opting to prioritise his medical recovery rather than rush his return to competitive action. The decision was confirmed following reports from RMC Sport, which indicate that the French midfielder is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering a calf injury.
Monaco’s sporting leadership has made it clear that Pogba’s exclusion is purely a medical precaution and not a reflection of his importance to the team. Speaking on the situation, club director Thiago Scuro explained that the focus remains firmly on ensuring Pogba’s long-term health and availability rather than pushing him back too soon.
“The medical staff is focused on finding solutions, first so that he returns to the field before the matches,” Scuro said. “Paul continues to recover from his calf injury.”
Pogba, who joined Monaco with high expectations, has faced a challenging period marked by fitness setbacks. The calf problem has limited his involvement in recent weeks, prompting the club’s medical team to adopt a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. As a result, Monaco decided not to register him for the Champions League squad, allowing him the necessary time to regain full match fitness without the pressure of Europe’s most demanding competition.
Sources close to the club suggest that Pogba is responding positively to treatment and rehabilitation, though no definitive timeline has been set for his return to competitive action. Monaco’s coaching and medical staff are reportedly working closely with the player to ensure that his comeback is both safe and sustainable, particularly given his history with injuries.
Despite missing out on Champions League involvement for now, Pogba remains part of Monaco’s long-term plans. The club views his experience, leadership, and technical quality as valuable assets once he is fully fit. Internally, there is confidence that Pogba can still play an important role domestically once he returns to the pitch.
Monaco’s decision reflects a broader strategy of player welfare, especially with high-profile talents recovering from injury. Rather than risk aggravating Pogba’s condition, the club has chosen patience, focusing on his full recovery before reintegrating him into competitive action.
For Pogba, the immediate priority remains regaining fitness and returning to training with the squad. While the Champions League will proceed without him, both the player and the club are hopeful that his recovery will allow him to make a meaningful impact later in the season.
As things stand, Pogba’s exclusion underscores Monaco’s commitment to medical caution, with all attention now on ensuring the midfielder returns stronger and ready to contribute when the time is right.