France Midfielder Pogba Ruled Out Of World Cup

Paul Pogba will miss France’s World Cup defense as he requires more time to recover from knee surgery, his agent revealed on Monday.

“Following yesterday and today’s medical review in Torino and Pittsburgh, it is extremely painful to inform Paul Pogba will still need recovery time from his surgery,” said Rafaela Pimenta in a statement issued.

“For this reason, Paul will not be able to join Juventus’ squad before the World Cup break nor the French National Team in Qatar.”

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri had already said on Friday that it was “very unlikely” that the 29-year-old midfielder would play for his team before Serie A breaks up for the World Cup.

It was reported earlier on Monday that Pogba could be out for around 15 days with a thigh injury.

Juve said, “Paul Pogba, in light of the recent radiological examinations performed… and the consultation carried out in Pittsburgh by Prof. Volker Musahl on the evaluation of his knee, needs to continue his rehabilitation program”.

Pogba is one of 12 Juve players currently missing in action.

He hasn’t played for Juve since re-signing for them from Manchester United in the summer, hurting the meniscus in his right knee in July.

He initially elected not to go under the knife in order to make the Qatar tournament which commences on November 20.

However, after getting back to training early last month, Pogba changed his mind and opted for surgery, which kept him on the sidelines until two weeks ago when he started partial training with Juve all over again.

Pogba was a major member of the France team that won the World Cup in Russia four years ago. He scored in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final.