Manchester United Boss Solskajer Reveals Pogba’s Possible Return Date

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Paul Pogba could return to action in their upcoming Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Wednesday.

"Paul's ankle is improving. Hopefully, he's on the grass, training today. If not, hopefully, tomorrow. I'm not sure if it takes a long time to recover but hopefully, he's ready for Wednesday," Solskjaer told Sky Sports after his side's 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday, as reported by the club’s official website.

Pogba has had a frustrating run in 2020-21, having started only five times for Manchester United out of the 11 appearances he has made for the club this season. An ankle injury forced him to miss Red Devils’ last three games – West Brom, Istanbul Basaksehir and Southampton.

Before the injury, the Frenchman, while on international duty, attracted controversy when he said it was "a breath of fresh air" to be with his national team.

Even without Pogba, Manchester United had enough depth to turn around the game against Southampton, where Solskjaer’s side was trailing 0-2 at half-time. Post the break, Bruno Fernandes brought the Old Trafford side back into the game with his 60th minute-strike.

Along with the Portuguese midfielder, Donny van de Beek has been silently impressing the manager since his move to Manchester from Ajax this summer.

"He's been good in training and he has been good in games he's played, in the Champions League. It's never been Premier League or Champions League. It's to give him time to settle into the group," Solskjaer was quoted by Goal, as saying about Van de Beek.

Pogba, who has been out of action for the majority of the time since the starting of last season, has scored only twice from 33 competitive appearances for Manchester United in the same period. Provided he remains injury free, Pogba will have to produce his best form to break into the starting XI of Solskjaer.

Pogba’s France teammate Anthony Martial also missed the Southampton game Sunday, but the forward’s absence was due to an illness and not injury.

Following the Champions League fixture against PSG Wednesday, Solskjaer’s side take on West Ham, RB Leipzig, Manchester City, Sheffield United, Leeds United and Everton before Christmas.