Why Paul Pogba has been axed by Juventus for Europa League tie

Paul Pogba is understood to have been left out of Juventus' squad to face Frieburg in the Europa League after reporting late for training.

The Frenchman returned to Turin on a free transfer last summer, six years after he departed for Manchester United in a deal worth £89m, but has made just two appearances this season because of a raft of injury problems.

It was hoped that Pogba's return to Italy would reinvigorate his career, but a knee injury that required surgery ruled the 29-year-old out of action for two months, before a thigh strain in October added to an extensive list of setbacks.

Pogba missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a result and he's only just returned to action for Juventus in Serie A, playing 35 minutes across two games.

However, Pogba won't take part in the first leg of Juventus' round of 16 Europa League tie with high-flying Bundesliga side Freiburg after reportedly breaching the club's disciplinary rules.

It's understood that Pogba reported late for training, adding further fuel to the fire of a growing number of critics dismayed by his attitude since returning to the club.

One high-profile detractor has been former Juventus defender Marco Tardelli, who recently labelled Pogba a 'big problem' for the club, while his spell at United was dogged by critics questioning his commitment to the cause.

Pogba's first spell at Juventus, between 2012 and 2016, was hugely successful and established him as one of the best central midfielders in the world. He made 178 appearances in all competitions at that time, scoring 34 goals.