After going to the Middle East in November to work on his recovery, Pogba returned to the UK the following month - just after Rangnick was appointed as interim manager.
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Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has provided a positive update on Paul Pogba’s injury situation. If everything goes as per plan, the French World Cup winner could make his return to the first team in early February, according to the manager. Pogba has missed each of the Reds’ last 13 games across all competitions. He has not featured for United since the 2-2 Champions League draw with Atalanta on 2nd November. Paul Pogba was suspended for the Premier League defeat to Manchester City, four days later. He then picked up a thigh injury while training with the France national team in the international break.
After going to the Middle East in November to work on his recovery, Pogba returned to the UK the following month – just after Rangnick was appointed as interim manager. Despite the latest positive development in his injury front, Pogba won’t be in contention for Wednesday’s visit to Brentford, or the game with West Ham United on Saturday. On 4th February, Manchester United host Middlesbrough in the Emirates FA Cup before traveling to Burnley at Turf Moor four days later, and Pogba could be in contention during these games.
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“Paul Pogba had his first day of training with the whole group yesterday and, in the first training session, he showed what kind of extraordinary player he could be,” Rangnick told reporters ahead of the match against Brentford. “He will not be available for the two games this week but hopefully after the international break, when we have the Cup game against Middlesbrough and the away game at Burnley, I think he could be an option.”
The manager also informed that the Frenchman had made an immediate impact in training and that he cannot wait to have him for selection in the first team. However, when asked if the club is any closer to extending his contract, the 63-year-old replied, “I don’t know. I cannot answer the second part of your question because it’s not me dealing with this, I’m not negotiating about future contracts with players.”
“But what you could see from the very first day in training yesterday is that he’s present. He’s physically present, he’s mentally present. What I saw in training yesterday was very promising for the future and I’m very much looking forward to having him available in two weeks’ time after the international break, and I think he will be a serious candidate for the first XI.”
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