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SOCCER

Paul Pogba ruled out of World Cup with France

The Juventus player’s latest issue is a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for the next three weeks.

Update:
(FILES) In this file photograph taken on March 29, 2022, France's midfielder Paul Pogba controls the ball during a friendly football match between France and South Africa at The Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, northern France. - Paul Pogba's chances of playing in the upcoming World Cup are at risk again after media reports in Italy said he had suffered a thigh injury. France star Pogba had recently returned to training with Juventus, for whom he is yet to feature following a knee injury suffered in the summer (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
FRANCK FIFEAFP

As reported by French outlet L’Équipe on Monday, Paul Pogba will miss next month’s World Cup with France after picking up another injury.

The Juventus player’s latest issue is a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for the next three weeks, and rule him out of the tournament in Qatar.

France manager Didier Deschamps has indicated he will only call up players who are match-fit in time for the opening game against Australia on 22 November.

Agent confirms Pogba’s injury

Earlier on Monday Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta confirmed that the midfielder will miss the World Cup. Pimenta told Téléfoot in France that the former Manchester United player was intent on coming back as quickly as possible from his latest setback.

“Paul would like to return as quickly as he can but he has to arm himself with patience, work hard in these difficult times, and give his best to be back on the pitch for the fans and his team as soon as possible.”

Paul Pogba looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Maccabi Haifa FC on October 5, 2022.
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Paul Pogba looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Maccabi Haifa FC on October 5, 2022.Daniele Badolato - Juventus FCGetty

Kanté ruled out for Les Bleus

The France squad for the World Cup will be announced on 9 November. Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kanté is also going to miss the reigning champions’ attempt to retain the trophy this winter. Raphaël Varane and Mike Maignan are two other major doubts going into the tournament.

Deschamps’ injury issues

Deschamps recently discussed the injury crisis Les Bleus face with just weeks to go before the start of the 2022 World Cup, and said that he would only be selecting players who are match-fit by the time the tournament kicks off.

“There are important stages – one, is that the player has recovered, that’s a condition, without that there isn’t even a question to be asked,” Deschamps said.

“The second thing is to evaluate their athletic condition. But this second condition can only exist if the first one is guaranteed. Everything depends on how long they will have been out for, the number of matches they will have played between their injury and when they join up with us, and a third aspect, which is the competition in that position.”

On injured players

I’ve said it before, I’ve never gone to a major competition with an injured player. Going to a major competition with players who aren’t fit takes up too much attention, and for those who do play it takes up the medical staff’s time,” he added.

Keep track of all the latest World Cup injuries with our AS English coverage of the tournament