Monaco boss: Pogba comeback 'step-by-step'

Pogba’s comeback remains weeks away after a fresh fitness setback, leaving Monaco’s attack uncertain. Punters should be cautious backing Monaco to win; consider Tottenham as the safer outright option or markets like Tottenham + under 3.0 goals. Monitor Pogba’s progress — his return would boost Monaco’s attacking value and shift odds sharply.

Pogba’s Monaco Comeback Delayed as Manager Eyes Gradual Return

Paul Pogba signed for Monaco in June after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his four-year doping ban to 18 months following a positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone in 2023. The World Cup winner always maintained his innocence and the CAS ruled the ingestion was "not intentional." He had been expected to make his Monaco debut after more than two years out but suffered another fitness setback.

Manager: “First Step” in Recovery

New boss Sebastien Pocognoli, appointed on Oct. 11, said Pogba is training but not yet fully fit, describing his reintroduction as a step-by-step process. "He joined with the group for the first time under my coaching. He was smiling, he was enjoying and interacting with the players. For me, this is the first step and this step can take days, can take two to three weeks and then we can build on this through performance and consistency," Pocognoli said.

Pocognoli Prepares for Home Debut Against Tottenham

The fixture with Tottenham will mark Pocognoli’s home debut at Stade Louis II. The former West Brom left-back recalled playing Tottenham once in their old stadium and winning 1-0, a fond memory he referenced ahead of this high-profile match.

Squad Concerns and Injury Updates

Pocognoli confirmed he will be without a senior player due to a hamstring issue and must manage Pogba’s gradual return carefully. The manager is balancing short-term results with the need to protect Pogba’s fitness for the long term.

Attacker Dismisses Transfer Talk, Focuses on Match

A 23-year-old Monaco attacker who was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer addressed the speculation, saying the links were flattering but insisting his focus is on Monaco and the upcoming game. "I am a Monaco player and I am playing against Tottenham, so I will give my best," he said. He added that future moves can wait and that the immediate priority is to win Wednesday’s game.

What This Means on the Pitch

Monaco’s creativity and unpredictability are likely to be blunted while Pogba’s fitness is managed, leaving the team to rely on existing attackers and tactical adjustments from Pocognoli. Tottenham may be afforded slightly more control in the attacking third if Pogba is absent or limited.

Betting Angle

With Pogba’s status uncertain, bettors should weigh Monaco’s reduced attacking depth. Consider Tottenham as the marginal favorite in outright markets or options that reflect a tighter contest (e.g., Tottenham win/draw double chance, under 3.0 goals, or carefully selected handicap markets). Reassess markets if Pogba is confirmed fully fit in team news.

Paul Pogba is smiling and enjoying life in Monaco despite a small setback ending hopes of a comeback in the Champions League at home to Tottenham.

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