Paul Pogba has suffered another injury setback after picking up a problem with his left thigh during Monaco’s training camp in England on Tuesday.
The 2018 World Cup winner sustained the injury while training at St George’s Park, the English national football centre, shortly after Monaco’s pre-season friendly victory over Liverpool.
The setback comes at a difficult time for the 33-year-old midfielder, who had only recently returned to full group training following a lengthy battle with right-knee problems.
Pogba has managed just one half of football for Monaco during pre-season, leaving doubts over whether he will be fit enough to feature when the new Ligue 1 campaign begins.
According to sources close to the situation, the latest injury indicates that the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder remains some distance from reaching the physical condition required for regular competitive football.
Pogba joined Monaco hoping to rebuild his career after a prolonged period away from the game.
He had previously been handed a four-year suspension following an anti-doping violation before eventually serving 18 months of the sanction.
His return to competitive football was further complicated by fitness problems last season.
Pogba made only six Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco, accumulating 115 minutes as the club carefully managed his return.
The midfielder had hoped that a full pre-season would provide an opportunity to regain fitness and compete for a regular place in the Monaco side.
However, the latest thigh problem represents another interruption to his recovery and could delay his return to competitive action.
Monaco will now assess the extent of the injury as they continue preparations for the new season.
For Pogba, the immediate priority will be recovering from the setback and rebuilding his fitness after another frustrating period on the sidelines.
