Injured star set to make France World Cup squad due to ‘special status’

Paul Pogba is set to named in France’s world cup squad regardless of his fitness, due to his ‘special status’. 

Juventus star Pogba recently underwent surgery on a knee injury he suffered in July during a training session. 

Pogba initially wanted to avoid surgery and opted for a shorter but riskier treatment. 

When he tested his knee in training, Pogba changed his mind and as a result, went under the knife. 

According to the man who was in charge of the operation, Professor Roberto Rossi, Pogba should have opted for surgery earlier. He said, via The Athletic: “He was wrong not to have an operation immediately, not having an operation immediately made the injury worse.” 

Whilst Juventus’ managing director, Maurizio Arivabene said: “Paul knew what our opinion was, but we respected his. It is not the best situation for anyone, but now we can only hope that he will return as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to look to the past or create controversy, also because the decision was made together. But we are in a situation that is not ideal for us or for him.

“This conservative therapy was attempted and today, of course, we are not in an ideal situation, neither for us nor for him. However, we must look ahead and hope for a quick return. There is talk of a return for the World Cup, I sincerely wish the French national team to be well, but I am interested in Juventus and, therefore, I hope that he will return as soon as possible to help us.”

On the back of the surgery, it is expected that the midfielder is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. According to L’Equipe, Pogba could return to action for the Turin club on 10 November. 

There were speculations that his chances of going to the World Cup were slim after the operation, as the tournament in Qatar is set to get underway on 20 November, ten days after Pogba’s expected return. 

According to sports daily, France manager Didier Deschamps is likely to include Pogba in his 26 man squad, despite his lack of match fitness and preparation.

It has been suggested the Deschamps has always held Pogba in high regard and that the 29-year-old has ‘special status’ within the squad. 

Deschamps feels that Pogba is an important part of his group’s dynamics.