PAUL POGBA’S Juventus debut has been delayed again by another injury setback.
The former Manchester United midfielder rejoined the Old Lady last summer after his Old Trafford contract expired.
But despite signing a £130,000-a-week, four-year deal, Juve fans have not seen a single minute of competitive action from the France international due to a serious knee injury sustained in pre-season and then a thigh strain that ruled him out of the World Cup.
And after already waiting seven months for a glimpse of Pogba, now another injury means supporters will be forced to sit tight for a while longer.
The World Cup winner, 29, is struggling with soreness in his flexors – although it is unclear which joint is causing the problems.
Manager Max Allegri said when asked about players’ fitness ahead of tonight’s Coppa Italia quarter-final with Lazio: “Apart from the long-term absentee Leonardo Bonucci, Pogba will not be there due to soreness in his flexors. Dusan Vlahovic should play from the start.”
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Pogba was named on the bench at the weekend as Juventus were stunned 2-0 at home by Monza, as they slid to 13th in the table following their 15-point deduction.
But after remaining an unused sub, he is now set for another stint in the medical room.
The latest is not expected to require a lengthy recovery.
Although having signed on July 11, it could be seven months between his arrival and his debut.
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After taking on Lazio, Juve face Salernitana in Serie A next Tuesday before hosting Fiorentina on February 12.
Pogba took to Instagram to thank fans for their support during his long time sidelined by the knee problem that required surgery.
He wrote: “So happy to be back with my team, big thank you to all the fans for the warm welcome. We’ll come back stronger.”
And his club even released a statement regarding his return to the matchday squad against Monzo.
Juve said: “Pogba is one of the most accomplished players in our squad now, so the midfielder’s return is a huge positive for us as a club.
“The team needs a lynchpin in that midfield and he can provide it for us if he stays fit and gains momentum.
“For now, we do not have to rush him because he has been out for a long time and he should only step on the field if he is 100 per cent fit.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
