Paul Pogba will not be playing for France in Qatar this winter (Picture: Getty Images)
Paul Pogba has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering another knee problem, the latest of his injury setbacks.
The 29-year-old has been out of action all season so far, yet to make a competitive appearance for Juventus since returning to the club from Manchester United on a free transfer.
There was hope that he might make a return from injury in time to make the France squad for Qatar, training with Juventus earlier this month, but he has suffered another knee issue and after tests, his World Cup chances are at an end.
‘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 the player’s agent Rafaela Pimenta.
‘For this reason, Paul will not be able to join Juventus squad before the World Cup break nor the French National Team in Qatar. If wishful thinking would change things, Paul would be playing tomorrow.
‘But what changes things are hard work, resilience and discipline, all of which are the only things in Paul’s mind at these challenging times.
‘Paul will continue working giving his very best to be back on the pitch for the fans and his team as soon as possible.’
Juventus released their own statement, which read: ‘Paul Pogba, in light of the recent radiological examinations performed at J|Medical and the consultation carried out in Pittsburgh by Prof. Volker Musahl for the evaluation of the knee, needs to continue his rehabilitation program.’
Pogba had been on the road to recovery from a torn meniscus suffered in pre-season, after undergoing surgery in September.
He will hope to be back in action after Christmas for Juventus.
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‘If wishful thinking would change things, Paul would be playing tomorrow.’