Five short minutes of course, but five minutes that will do him a world of good. This Thursday, in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Paul Pogba became a full-fledged footballer again. We then play the 85th minute of the match between Juventus and Sporting Portugal, dominated by the Transalpine (1-0), when the 2018 world champion replaces Angel Di Maria.
Obviously, the former kid from Roissy-en-Brie could not show off all his talent in such a short time. But there are unmistakable signs. Like on this action in the 90th minute when he threw himself to ward off the danger on a cross at the far post. Something to reassure about his physical condition.
For the player who has just celebrated his 30th birthday, this return to competition is encouraging and it is perhaps the sign of the end of worries. Indeed, the “Pioche” intends to say goodbye to this cursed season, which notably deprived him of the planetary meeting in Qatar after his right knee operation in September. A real heartbreaker for him.
A possible semi-final against Manchester United
Since the start of the season, he had only played 35 short minutes to which he has therefore just added five on Thursday. It was February 28 against Torino where ul had gleaned 22 minutes and March 5 against Roma with 13 short minutes. He had then been the victim of a muscle relapse synonymous with several weeks off.
This time, it is on the European scene that Pogba has signed his return. A Europa League which is the last chance for Juve to hitch the Champions League wagon next season.
Back after another month off due to a muscle injury, Pogba will certainly be one of the most motivated in Lisbon, in a week, to validate this option before a possible reunion with the “Red Devils”, his ex -club.