After a long period of uncertainty, Paul Pogba’s football career might be back on track.
The former Manchester United star recently had his four-year ban for a doping offense cut down to just 18 months, thanks to a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This news could pave the way for Pogba to return to the pitch sooner than expected.
A New Training Timeline
Since his last appearance with Juventus in September of last year, Pogba has faced significant challenges.
Now, under the revised terms of his ban, he will be able to resume training in January 2025.
If all goes well, he could be back in action by March.
This timeline gives him a glimpse of hope after a tumultuous time away from the game.
Contractual Uncertainty
Despite still being under contract with Juventus until June 2026, there are discussions happening about potentially ending his deal early.
If these negotiations go through, Pogba could find himself available as a free agent, ready to take on new challenges.
However, not everyone is convinced about his future prospects.
Skepticism from Souness
Former footballer Graeme Souness shared his thoughts on Pogba during a recent episode of the “Three Up Front” podcast.
When asked if he would consider signing Pogba, Souness was quite clear in his stance: “No.” He views Pogba as a player with immense talent but believes that much of it has been wasted.
He even suggested that winning the World Cup at a young age might have hindered Pogba’s career.
While Pogba was 25 during that triumphant tournament in 2018, Souness felt it might have led him to become complacent.
A Different Mindset
Souness reflected on his own playing days, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination in midfield.
He believes that Pogba often focuses on showcasing his skills rather than making life difficult for his opponents.
Souness stressed that, in his view, the role of a central midfielder is to outwork their adversaries, something he feels Pogba has strayed from in recent years.
The Doping Ban Explained
Pogba’s provisional suspension started in September 2022, following a positive test for DHEA.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport explained that while they reduced his ban, they also acknowledged Pogba’s responsibility in the situation.
They concluded that his ingestion of the banned substance wasn’t intentional, attributing it to a supplement prescribed by a doctor.
However, they noted that as a professional athlete, he should have exercised more caution regarding what he consumed.
Moving Forward
Following the ruling, Pogba expressed relief in a statement, saying, “Finally, the nightmare is over.”
He emphasized that he never knowingly violated any regulations and thanked the CAS for considering his case.
For him, this period has been extremely stressful, with everything he has worked hard for put on hold.
As he looks toward the future, the question remains: what will be his next step on the road back to professional football?