AS Monaco fans were once again left waiting to see Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati in action, as both high-profile summer signings were left out of the squad for the club’s pre-season clash against Nottingham Forest. The absence of the marquee duo has sparked fresh concerns over their readiness ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Pogba’s Return to the Pitch Delayed Again
Monaco’s summer capture of Paul Pogba was viewed as a statement signing, especially after the midfielder’s 18-month doping ban ended earlier this year. However, Pogba’s much-anticipated debut continues to be delayed, with head coach Adi Hütter revealing that the French international is still not fit enough for competitive minutes.
“Pogba is not ready physically,” Hütter admitted prior to the Forest game, echoing previous concerns about the 31-year-old’s lack of recent match rhythm. Monaco are taking a cautious approach with the 2018 World Cup winner, who has not featured in a senior game since August 2023.
Ansu Fati, another headline-grabbing addition this summer, was also absent from the squad. The former Barcelona winger is similarly being eased into pre-season action following a stop-start campaign at Brighton last term.
With both players short on fitness and match sharpness, Hütter is determined not to rush their integration. “We know the quality they can bring,” he said. “But it has to be at the right time. We want them for the long haul, not just for one match.”
Saturday’s friendly against Nottingham Forest was seen as a potential debut window for the pair, but fans will have to wait at least another week to catch a glimpse of them in red and white.
Pogba’s journey back to football has been anything but smooth. After being released by Juventus in the aftermath of his doping suspension, the Frenchman struggled to attract top-tier offers. Monaco stepped in with a lifeline, hoping to revive his career while adding much-needed experience to a young midfield core ahead of their Champions League return.
The midfielder is reportedly on a performance-based deal, further incentivizing a carefully managed comeback. Still, with less than a month until the Ligue 1 season begins, time is running out to get Pogba fully ready.
Monaco still have two friendlies scheduled before the season opener against Le Havre on August 17. The team faces Arminia Bielefeld on July 26 and Ajax on August 3—both possible platforms for Pogba and Fati to get their first minutes in Monaco colours.
Until then, Monaco fans will be holding their breath, hoping their headline arrivals can finally kickstart their long-awaited comeback.
