Paul Pogba's own manager blames him for missing the World Cup

Paul Pogba's own manager appears to have blamed him for missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar through injury.

Pogba was pivotal in France's second World Cup triumph four years ago but will not be part of Didier Deschamps' squad for the defence of their crown.

Pogba has been suffering from a meniscus injury that has prevented him from making a second competitive debut for Juventus, who he rejoined on a free transfer in the summer.

His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, confirmed he will not be returning in time for the World Cup, telling Telefoot: "Paul would like to resume as soon as possible but he must be patient, work hard in these difficult times and give the best of himself to be back on the field for the fans and his team as soon as possible."

Pogba has also been struggling with a thigh problem of late, adding another three weeks onto his lay-off.

After tearing his meniscus in pre-season, the former Manchester United midfielder was slated for a return to the fold in the middle of September.

He was advised against having surgery by a specialist he was referred to and Max Allegri, Juventus' under-fire boss, doesn't have too much sympathy for his player in his latest press conference.

"Not yet," Allegri replied when asked if he had a conversation with Pogba since he news.

"I spoke to him earlier. It's pointless repeating what has already been said.

"Once the decision was made not to have surgery at the start of the season, it was normal that hopes that he could return with Juventus and France were slim.

"He's sorry for Juventus and the World Cup, it's normal, we were penalised for not having him available."

Image: Alamy

Reigning world champions France have a slew of injury troubles going into the tournament. Pogba's regular midfield partner N'Golo Kante is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Raphael Varane faces a race to be fit in time.

He left the pitch in tears after going off in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Topics: Juventus, Paul Pogba, France, Football World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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