Paul Pogba, a midfielder for France, will not play in the World Cup in Qatar because he was unable to recover from knee surgery, his agency said on Monday.
His agent Rafaela Pimenta broke the news to both football fans and France supporters, calling it “very distressing.”
“Following yesterday and today’s medical review in Torino and Pittsburgh, it is extremely painful to inform Paul Pogba will still need recovery time from his surgery,” his agent Rafaela Pimenta said.
Have fun reviewing movies and drinks
“For this reason, Paul will not be able to join the Juventus squad before the World Cup break nor the French national team in Qatar. If wishful thinking would change things, Paul would be playing tomorrow.”
The French superstar has had a year of tragic events, facing extortion and a knee injury that has sidelined him for the entire season since rejoining the club from Manchester United on a free transfer in July.
Undergoing surgery in September, Pogba raced against time to recover to complete a physical return.
The news of the 29-year-old missing the World Cup now shortens France’s ability to compete in the finals.
Not only is Pogba an instrumental player for the Parisians, he drove them to their 2018 title in Russia.
Pogba scored in the 4-2 win over Croatia, winning his country a gold trophy for the second time in a thrilling final.
The World Cup winner has not commented on his absence, with his last social media post capturing the footballer training in a pool.
When trying to defend their title as world champions, France—who were seen as favorites earlier in the season—will face a difficult road since N’Golo Kante will be absent.
Aurelien Tchouameni, who has a hamstring problem, might take over for the midfielder.
Didier Deschamps, the France coach, may decide to substitute healthy midfielders Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga for the injured pair.
Located in Group D this year, France will kick off its World Cup campaign against Australia on November 22 before facing Denmark and Tunisia.
