Injured Pogba Withdraws From France Squad After Limping Out Of Training

 

The Manchester United midfielder will play no part for his country in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Paul Pogba has withdrawn from the France squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Finland after hobbling out of training on Monday.

The reigning world champions are preparing for their final two qualifiers as they seek to seal their place at Qatar 2022.

And while Les Bleus are one step away from qualification, they will be without a talismanic presence during the latest international break.

Editors' Picks

Iheanacho to Awoniyi & Alampasu: Nigeria’s U17 World Cup winners – where are they now

Power ranking every single Nigerian player in the Premier League so far this season

'Being gay will be part of everyday life in football' - England star Coady on his firm stance as an outspoken LGBT ally

Akinkunmi Amoo: Nigeria’s 'Little Messi' setting Swedish football alight

What happened?

As revealed by Goal correspondent Marc Mechenoua, Pogba was unable to complete Monday's session after linking up with the rest of his France team-mates.

The United star pulled up during a drill with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, and limped towards the sidelines in visible discomfort.

Paul Pogba limps out of France training after picking up a thigh injury while taking a shot 🤕 pic.twitter.com/MEUIrxUdZ0

— Goal (@goal) November 8, 2021

Coach Didier Deschamps, who helped Pogba off the field, has now been forced to tinker with his plans and has called up Roma star Jordan Veretout as cover in midfield.

Victime d’une lésion du quadriceps de la cuisse droite, @paulpogba est contraint de déclarer forfait pour les 2 prochaines rencontres.

Pour le remplacer, Didier Deschamps a fait appel à @JordanVeretout. pic.twitter.com/NGf7Q2AHBa

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 9, 2021

The bigger picture

Pogba's injury setback comes at a time in which his performances for United have come under renewed scru

Deschamps confident in Pogba despite Man U frustrations

After earning a red card during the club's 5-0 humiliation against Liverpool, he was suspended for their latest fixture - a 2-0 derby defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester City.

The midfielder has at least found international football more rewarding, playing in both the semi-final and final stages as France lifted the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.