MOnaco’s bid for a Champions League spot next season could be boosted by the midfielder’s return Paul Pogba.
The former France star recently returned to light training after a lengthy injury lay-off due to an ongoing left calf problem and on Thursday scored in a friendly against Premier League side Brentford.
2018 World Cup Pogba joined Monaco on a two-year deal last summer but has only played around 30 minutes since making his debut at the end of November.
Monaco are sixth in Ligue 1 with seven rounds remaining. The top three qualify directly for next season’s Champions League, and the fourth-placed team goes through to the qualifiers.
Coach Sébastien Pocognoli has turned Monaco’s fortunes around and his side are on a six-game winning streak and just three points behind third-placed Marseille. Monaco host Marseille on April 5, after the international break.
Former star
Pogba scored in the World Cup final against Croatia eight years ago, when he was considered one of the best midfielders in the world.
He has also struggled with thigh and ankle problems since joining Monaco, after more than two years out of action in a career derailed by injuries, off-field issues and drug bans.
He previously played for Juventus and Manchester United.
In 2016, Pogba became the most expensive footballer in history when he returned to United from Juventus for €105 million (then $116 million).