Didier Deschamps Believes Pogba Will Recover In Time And Feature In Qatar 2022 World Cup
JAKARTA - France national team coach Didier Deschamps believes Paul Pogba will recover in time and be able to participate in Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year.
Pogba left Manchester United and returned to Juventus in this summer's transfer window. However, he immediately suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee while undergoing pre-season training with the Old Lady.
Many predict that he will not be fit until early next year. But in an interview with French media Le Parisien, Deschamps believes Pogba will recover soon.
"His participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is unquestionable," Deschamps was quoted as saying by Marca on Monday.
Pogba himself chose not to undergo surgery to restore the injury. The reason is that medical steps will reduce his chances of participating in defending France in the event which is held every four years.
The decision not to undergo surgery means Pogba is expected to return to play in the five weeks leading up to the World Cup kick-off in November.
"But we can never be sure. This is why we need to make sure our young players are ready. Of course I communicated with Paul (Pogba) and at the moment his involvement in the World Cup is unquestionable," said Deschamps.
The World Cup in Qatar will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022. France are the reigning champions after they beat Croatia in the previous edition in Russia in 2018.
In Qatar, France will be in Group D with Denmark, Tunisia and Australia. They play their first group stage match against Australia on 22 November.