Paul Pogba injury: Progress & potential return date for Juventus star

Paul Pogba has been one of the most talked about footballers of the past decade after his exit from Manchester United, form at Juventus, return to Manchester United and then his return to the Bianconeri in the summer of 2022.

It was believed that upon heading back to Turin, Pogba would rediscover his best form and show that he actually is one of the best midfielders in world football.

That is not how it has panned out though, as one serious injury and a string of smaller ones has stopped him from playing a single game for Juve since his return on a free transfer.

What injury did Pogba get at Juventus?

It was as early as pre-season that things went downhill for Pogba at Juventus as he suffered a meniscus injury in training. Juventus's staff urged him to have knee surgery but he decided not to, which is a big part of why he has been out for so long.

He aimed to be back for the World Cup in Qatar but by September it became clear that he had no choice but to go under the knife and have knee surgery, meaning a chunk of recovery time had been wasted already. His return to the bench against Monza in late January was a boost but he did not come on and then suffered a new flexor injury.

How have Juventus reacted to Pogba's injuries?

There appears to be a decent level of patience from Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri towards Pogba and his recovery.

“It takes time for Pogba, nobody can work miracles. His body must adapt. We must use him wisely and at the right moment when he will be fit,” said Allegri ahead of the recent Coppa Italia tie against Lazio.

It was reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, though, that Juventus directors were contemplating cutting team-related bonuses from Pogba's contract given he has not kicked a ball for the Bianconeri.

Juve legend Marco Tardelli recently criticised Pogba and his return to the club. He told 90 Minuto: "He is now a problem for Juve, we don’t know when he’ll return or what he intends to do. Pogba goes off skiing while his teammates are there battling against huge issues.

“He doesn’t have knee surgery when the club asks, but only when he decides, because he’s worried about the World Cup with France.

“Now Pogba is a big problem that the Bianconeri need to resolve. This whole situation also shows how Juventus don’t have very clear ideas on their general direction.”

When could Pogba return for Juventus?

Arguably the most annoying element of all this for Juventus fans is that it is not clear at all when Pogba will actually be able to help the team. He has not even been on the bench since the aforementioned Monza game and was again absent from the matchday squad aginst Spezia.

It seems that the games are just passing by week on week with little mention of the 29-year-old. It seems unfathomable that he won't play at all this season given the original injury was deemed to have healed, hence why he was in the frame for minutes at the end of January.

If the situation continues in this manner, do not be surprised if rumours start to swirl about his departure from the club.

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