While Paul Pogba’s injury is undoubtedly one of Max Allegri’s main concerns, no one was sadder than Didier Deschamps.
The French national team coach enjoys a special relationship with his star midfielder, especially after their triumph in Russia four years ago.
After suffering a meniscus injury during the US tour in July, the 29-year-old decided to avoid surgery and opted for an alternative treatment.
Unfortunately, the decision fell through, as the player’s condition barely improved after weeks of physiotherapy. In the end, going under the knife became an inevitable choice.
While the exact date of his return to action remains unclear, Juventus are unlikely to have Pogba available before 2023. However, their national team remains hell-bent on making him available before the World Cup.
According to L’Equipe via ilPosticipo, Deschamps plans to include Pogba in his final squad regardless of the latter’s status.
As the report explains, it would not be the first time that the coach of a national team decides to bet on a star player who is in questionable physical condition, remembering Wayne Rooney and Francesco Totti at the 2006 World Cup.
In addition, coaches will be able to include 26 players in their final squads instead of the traditional 23. Therefore, the former Juventus coach will be able to get Pogba on the plane to Qatar and have enough alternatives among his ranks.
