Pogba won't play against Freiburg for disciplinary reasons
Paul Pogba looks set to miss yet another match on Thursday. Injuries have ravaged the Frenchman’s playing time in his comeback season with Juventus. The midfielder has managed just two substitute appearances in all competitions during the current campaign. However, his latest issue isn’t because of another injury setback.
Pogba out for disciplinary reasons, tardy for meeting
Sky Sports in Italy are reporting that Pogba will not be in the squad for a Europa League matchup with Freiburg on Thursday because of disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old midfielder apparently showed up late to a team function on Wednesday.
Pogba only just recovered from a nasty knee injury in late February. He made his season debut with Juve in a game against Torino on February 28th. The midfielder also played 13 minutes during a defeat to Roma on Sunday as well.
Manager hinted at possible setback on Wednesday
In his pre-match Europa League press conference, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri claimed that there was a possible setback for his midfield star. “Yesterday Pogba did a good training session. Today he rested and tomorrow morning we will know if he is available,” Allegri told reporters. “Today he didn’t work with the team. I think he’s available, but we’ll see.” It remains to be seen if the setback was an aggravation of the knee injury or just a lack of discipline.
The Pogba situation adds frustrations to the already tough season at Juventus. The club was previously docked 15 Serie A points because of false accounting by team officials. Without the penalty, the 36-time Italian champions would be sitting second in the standings. Nevertheless, the Old Lady is currently seventh in the table, 12 points from a Champions League place.
Potentially winning the Europa League may be Juve’s best chances at qualifying for the Champions League next season. The Italians, however, need their best players fit and available to make a deep run in the competition.
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