AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter is considering handing Paul Pogba his first start in over three years for this weekend's crucial Ligue 1 fixture against FC Metz, according to reports from Nice Matin. The potential inclusion of the 33-year-old French midfielder comes as Monaco, currently seventh and on a three-match winless run, seeks to reignite its European qualification hopes against a Metz side facing almost certain relegation.
Pogba's last start in a competitive match was for Juventus on May 14, 2023, in a 2-0 win over Cremonese, from which he was substituted after just 24 minutes due to injury. Since joining Monaco on a free transfer last summer while recovering from a long-term injury, Pogba has managed only five substitute appearances totaling 57 minutes. A start in Lorraine would represent a significant milestone in his protracted return to full fitness.
The context of the match adds considerable weight to the decision. Monaco, sitting two points behind Marseille for the final European qualification spot, must find a spark to revive its campaign. Meanwhile, Metz could be mathematically relegated as early as this weekend if results go against them, making Monaco potential executioners of their top-flight status. Using Pogba from the outset would be a bold tactical gambit by Hutter, leveraging the World Cup winner's experience and technical quality in a high-pressure environment.
For Pogba personally, a start would mark the end of an arduous period defined by injury setbacks and limited playing time. His career since leaving Manchester United in 2022 has been severely disrupted, with his last sustained run of starts occurring during his second stint at Juventus. Monaco signed the midfielder on a multi-year deal, banking on his ability to eventually influence games at the highest level despite his recent physical struggles.
The broader implications for Monaco's season are clear. Failing to secure European football would be considered a significant setback for the club's sporting and financial projections. Integrating a fit and motivated Pogba could provide the creative impetus needed for a strong season finale. For Metz, already braced for the drop, facing a rejuvenated Pogba would symbolize the daunting quality gap they have struggled to bridge all season. The match, therefore, serves as a pivotal moment for both clubs, with Pogba's unexpected potential involvement adding a compelling layer of narrative to a fixture rich with consequence.
