Paul Pogba set to be included in France’s World Cup squad regardless of match fitness due to his ‘special status’
PAUL POGBA could be in line for a call-up to France’s World Cup squad even if he’s not match-fit, reports claim.
Pogba, 29, suffered a serious knee injury in training over the summer, throwing his World Cup hopes into doubt .
However, the former Manchester United star could make a return to action for his club side by November 10th, just ten days before the tournament starts.
And despite his relative lack of game time, France coach Didier Deschamps could still call up the midfielder.
According to L’Equipe, Deschamps – who took over as France boss in 2012 – could utilise the full extent of his 26-man squad and bring the stricken Pogba to Qatar due to his “special status” within the team.
Pogba was a key member of the France team which won the 2018 World Cup and made it to the final of the 2016 European Championships.
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The midfielder has made 91 appearances for Les Bleus, scoring 11 goals – including one in the World Cup final.
Despite initial protests over the idea, he has undergone surgery on his right knee, with doctors telling him he needs to rest for at least eight weeks – a period which would see him back on October 31st.
Pogba could therefore make his Juventus comeback – and debut since returning from United – against Hellas Verona on November 10th and make a second appearance against Lazio three days later.
But Pogba has been marred by off-field drama in recent weeks, with his brother Mathias declaring he would be exposing “explosive information” about Paul amid an alleged £11million blackmail plot.
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In addition, it has been claimed Pogba has used a witch doctor to curse team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe reportedly called both brothers for an explanation over the allegations, and has since thrown his support behind his international team-mate.