Monaco is cautious with Pogba and Ansu Fati and rules out immediate debuts

 

Coach Adi Hutter says duo not yet fit, urges caution amid recovery and suspension issues

Hopes of seeing Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati line up together for AS Monaco in the Ligue 1 opener on August 16 have been put on hold. Head coach Adi Hutter confirmed on Tuesday that both players remain far from match fitness and will not feature in the team’s immediate plans.

Pogba, still serving a suspension for a doping violation in 2023, has not resumed training with the main squad. According to Hutter, the French international needs 10 to 15 more days before he can be reintegrated.

“There’s no point in forcing them,” Hutter stated during a press conference. “We want them to come back in good shape. It would be a mistake to put them on the field too early and risk further injury.”

Fati Still Recovering from Injury Setbacks

Meanwhile, Ansu Fati, on loan from Barcelona, continues his physical recovery after a string of injuries that have kept him sidelined. He too has not participated in full training sessions and is without a set return date.

Both Pogba and Fati have missed Monaco’s entire pre-season campaign, including six friendlies. They are expected to sit out the final tune-up matches against Ajax and Inter Milan, just days before the Ligue 1 season begins.

Positive Signs Without Star Duo

Despite their absence, Monaco has posted an impressive pre-season record with five wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two. Hutter emphasized the importance of gradual reintegration and praised the squad’s current cohesion.

“We’re undergoing a responsible restructuring. The team is performing well, and we’ll take our time with both Paul and Ansu,” Hutter concluded.