Paul Pogba made his first competitive start in over a year on Sunday night, as Juventus beat Cremonese 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium, but it was heartbreak for the midfielder who was reduced to tears after he was substituted with another injury.
The 30-year-old left Manchester United in the summer of 2022 and re-joined his old side Juventus on a free transfer but has barely played for the Italian giants this season due to injury.
In fact, his time at Old Trafford ended after he suffered a muscular injury and left the pitch during United’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool back in April 2022, the last time he was named in the starting line-up for a competitive game of football.
Joining up with his former club, Pogba would start a friendly game against Guadalajara in Juventus’ pre-season, but would only play 45 minutes of that match before another set back would not see him make another appearance until seven months later.
The French World Cup winner’s season has been blighted by soft tissue injuries and a recurring meniscus problem in his knee, that rendered him unavailable for the World Cup. He has meanwhile only made nine competitive appearances for Juventus, racking up just 137 minutes this campaign.
Paul Pogba suffered another injury set back during his first competitive start in over a year
Juventus currently lead Cremonese 2-0 with Pogba being substituted after pulling up in discomfort
Injuries have plagued his season with Pogba making just nine appearances for Juventus
Fans had hit out at the Juve midfielder after he was seen dancing on a ski slope while he was still going through his rehabilitation.
But he seemed to be making some good strides to play again recently, with the 30-year-old appearing in Juventus’ last three matches.
Max Allegri recently even admitted how good it was to have the midfielder available for selection, and while Pogba looked threatening on the pitch tonight, his latest injury set back will be a huge blow for both the Frenchman and his coach.
After receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Pogba turned his back on a defender, skirted inside and unleashed a curling long-range shot towards the goal.
His last full competitive start came in a Manchester United shirt in April 2022 before he left the club
Pogba has been slowly making a comeback featuring in Juventus’ last three matches
But he pulled up short a second later before dropping to the floor, holding his head in his hands.
The 30-year-old received treatment on the pitch before he was removed from the field, looking devastated and pulling his shirt over his head.
While his injury was a blow for Juve, Nicolo Fagioli put the home side up after 55 minutes before Gleison Bremer would double their lead just over 20 minutes later.
The Old Lady currently sit second in the Serie A, with the win putting them three points clear of Inter Milan on 69 points.
source: dailymail.co.uk
