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Paul Pogba signed a two-year deal with Monaco last summer Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba is set to make his long-awaited return from a doping ban this weekend. The 32-year-old joined the Ligue 1 club last summer, after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 19 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). Pogba's last competitive appearance came in September 2023, when he featured for Juventus in a Serie A match against Empoli. The former Manchester United midfielder has been given time to build up his fitness in Monaco and had been earmarked for selection against Lens on 8 November, only for an ankle injury to postpone his debut. However, Pogba is now expected to be named in Monaco's squad to face Rennes on Saturday. He was provisionally banned from football for four years after a positive test for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in February 2024, following a doping test in August 2023. Pogba maintained it was a mistake and that he was given a supplement without knowing it contained a banned substance. The France international, a 2018 World Cup winner, was permitted to return to football in March following the decision to reduce his ban. Should Pogba make his Monaco debut against Rennes, it would be his first ever Ligue 1 appearance. He came through the ranks at Le Havre, but joined Manchester United before making a senior appearance for the club. Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2012, before returning to Old Trafford in a then world record £89m four years later. He went back to Juventus following the expiry of his six-year deal with United in 2022, but made just 12 appearances before his contract was mutually terminated. Pogba scored in the final as France beat Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 World Cup final. 'Nightmare is over' - Pogba doping ban reduced to 18 months Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Uneasy, unnerved, un-Smith - Australian great falters in spotlight Palmer fractures toe by stubbing it on door Norris tops session disrupted by manhole problem Nick Mohammed and Joe Marler face the ultimate Traitors betrayal Is cricket financially healthy? Daddy Issues is back for a new series Sir Stephen Fry has remained 'faithful' to Black Berry Uneasy, unnerved, un-Smith - Australian great falters in spotlight The mate-sipping London import aiming to down England From 18st kid to world champion - the rise of Benavidez Ashes predictions - TMS pundits have their say 'Best display of season' but Chelsea rue missed opportunity How Norris and Piastri's strengths stack up in F1 title fight How does Arsenal defence compare to Premier League's best? Body or ranking - Boulter's Australian Open dilemma Are you not being entertained? The decline of the open-play goal Smith's swipe at Panesar comments on eve of Ashes. Video Smith's swipe at Panesar comments on eve of Ashes The big questions now Scotland are going to the World Cup Scotland edge out Denmark in six-goal epic to reach World Cup. Video Scotland edge out Denmark in six-goal epic to reach World Cup Built for the Ashes - England's pace evolution 'It felt like God's hand on my brain' - the day England were humbled by teenager Joshua given offer he simply couldn't refuse - Bunce Target Liverpool, go four at back - FPL tips to kick-start your season Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.