In a significant tactical adjustment, AS Monaco has elected to exclude Paul Pogba from their registered squad for the upcoming knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. This administrative decision confirms that the veteran French international will be unavailable for selection when the Monégasque club faces domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain in their high-stakes play-off encounter. While the former Juventus and Manchester United maestro was included in the initial roster for the group stages, the club has opted to pivot toward other options as the competition intensifies.
The 32-year-old midfielder is not the only high-profile name to be sacrificed in this latest registration update. Defensive stalwart Mohammed Salisu and Japanese international Takumi Minamino have also been removed from the continental list to accommodate new tactical requirements. In their place, Monaco has bolstered its European options by drafting in the trio of Krepin Diatta, Wout Faes, and Simon Adingra, signaling a shift in manager Adi Hütter’s strategy for the latter stages of the tournament.
Pogba’s exclusion follows a period of limited involvement since his arrival at the Stade Louis II. The World Cup winner has struggled to secure a regular starting berth, accumulating a mere three appearances throughout the current campaign, all of which occurred within the domestic confines of Ligue 1. His lack of impact on the European stage was evident during the earlier rounds; despite being available, he remained an unused substitute during Monaco’s clashes with both Pafos and Galatasaray.
This latest development raises further questions regarding Pogba’s long-term role within the squad as he continues to search for the consistency that defined his earlier career. With the club focusing its resources on the daunting two-legged tie against PSG, the technical staff has prioritized match fitness and recent form over individual pedigree.
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