Paul Pogba suffers injury blow as he waits to make long-awaited return after ban

Paul Pogba has reportedly suffered a minor ankle injury in training, delaying his long-awaited return to competitive football after serving an 18-month doping ban. 

The 32-year-old French midfielder twisted his ankle during a Monaco session this week and will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 fixture, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The problem is not considered serious, and he is expected to resume training next week if recovery goes to plan. 

It represents another setback for the former Manchester United and Juventus star, who had been in line to make his first competitive appearance in more than two years following his suspension.

Pogba joined Monaco on a two-year deal in June after his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months earlier this year.

Manager Sebastien Pocognoli recently confirmed that Pogba was close to full fitness and tipped him to return before team-mate Denis Zakaria.

Speaking this week, he said: 'Paul is closer to returning than Denis, even though his absence was much longer.

'I said this week would be used to answer some more questions, and every day is part of that process. For the moment, things are going well; I expect it to be a short time before he's back with the group.'

The Belgian coach, however, maintained that expectations must remain realistic. 'When he returns, we'll need to work together to assess him as a player,' Pocognoli said.

'The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now. Every player develops according to their age and experience, so we'll have to judge him based on his background and his age.

'From what I can see, he still possesses the technique we know he has. The rhythm of the matches will then give us some answers to all these questions.'

Pogba was emotional when he signed for Monaco in the summer, describing his comeback as a second chance after what he called 'a time of darkness'.

The midfielder told Daily Mail Sport last year that he discovered news of his reduced ban while preparing for a film premiere, adding: 'We went through hell. A time of darkness. But this is my second chance, I have to use it.'

Pocognoli has echoed that sentiment, stressing that he wants Pogba to rediscover his best form under careful management.

'He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco,' he said. 'It will be my role to guide him towards that level, to stimulate all his qualities and his potential.'

Monaco host Paris FC in Ligue 1 on Saturday before travelling to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League next week, though Pogba is not expected to feature in either match as he recovers from the latest knock.