A bitter blow for the 2018 World Cup winner. As of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Paul Pogba has been officially excluded from AS Monaco’s updated Champions League squad for the knockout stages.
After a much-hyped return to French football last summer, Pogba’s season has transformed into a "physical nightmare." Plagued by persistent calf,
thigh, and ankle issues, the 32-year-old has managed just 30 minutes of action all season, leaving Monaco’s hierarchy with no choice but to prioritize available players for their high-stakes playoff against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Squad Shuffle: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Under UEFA rules, clubs can register up to three new players for the knockout rounds. With several stars sidelined, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro and coach Sébastien Pocognoli have made some ruthless calls.
❌ Out: Paul Pogba (Calf), Mohammed Salisu (ACL), and Takumi Minamino (ACL).
✅ In: New winter signings Simon Adingra (on loan from Sunderland) and Wout Faes (on loan from Leicester), alongside Krépin Diatta.
The "Adingra" Factor: The Ivorian winger, who recently arrived from Sunderland, is expected to take Pogba's spot in the registration list to provide much-needed attacking spark against PSG.
Thiago Scuro’s Bleak Update
The club’s leadership hasn't sugarcoated the situation. Speaking to the media, Scuro admitted that the "Pogba Project" is currently failing to meet expectations.
Thiago Scuro (Monaco CEO): "The program for Paul is not working as we expected. He is deeply disturbed by these setbacks. Our medical staff is focused on finding solutions so he can at least return to the field before the end of the season, but for now, the Champions League is not a reality for him."
The Verdict: This exclusion feels like a turning point. If Pogba cannot find a way to stay fit by the end of the season, reports suggest Monaco may sit down in the summer to discuss a mutual termination of his contract. For now, the focus shifts to the Louis II stadium, where a new-look Monaco must face PSG without their most famous name.