Pogba ‘unnecessary’ for France at 2022 World Cup – if not fit

France coach Didier Deschamps has warned Paul Pogba that he must return to top form and not suffer from injury if he wants to receive an invitation to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Pogba is in a race against time to be ready for the World Cup as he could be out for 40-60 days after undergoing meniscus surgery. Deschamps has now confirmed that the former Manchester United midfielder, who struggled with the injury following his return to Juventus this summer, can only be called up to the Qatari squad if he is fully fit.

“He will not come because he is an “icon”. If he does not play before the championship and is not in top form, then he is unnecessary for us. He himself does not want this”, the 53-year-old manager emphasized after revealing the list for the League of Nations matches.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that Pogba’s participation in the World Cup is not a concern for the club and that he expects him to be central to his plans in January. Should Pogba be able to cut a ticket to Qatar, Deschamps has plenty of midfielders to cover for him, including Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

Les Blues will be in action during the matches with the National Team where they will play in the League of Nations against Austria and Denmark on September 23 and 26 respectively.