Monaco Drop Pogba From Champions League Squad

Monaco have reportedly excluded Paul Pogba from their Champions League squad for the knockout stages to accommodate their new January signings, according to sources at ESPN.

Pogba, who will turn 33 next month, has not featured since early December and has only made three appearances for the club this season. These include a pair of five-minute cameos against Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain in November, and another brief substitute appearance against Brest.

The France international joined Monaco in June after an 18-month doping ban and initially struggled with fitness. Subsequent minor thigh problems and an ankle injury further ruled him out of contention. He is currently recovering from a calf injury sustained in early December and is expected to return to action within the next few days.

Monaco secured the signatures of Simon Adingra and Wout Faes during the January transfer window, and the club is keen for both players to be involved in the Champions League playoff matches against Paris Saint-Germain later this month. It is anticipated that Adingra and Faes will likely be starters, a role that will not be afforded to Pogba.