The health status of Paul Pogba, who reigned as the world’s most expensive player from last summer until the Neymar deal was struck this past summer, is very much in question. The Manchester United midfielder has been out of action since injuring his hamstring in United’s UEFA Champions League group stage opener 11 days ago.
There have been numerous, often conflicting reports about how the expected length of his absence, with United Manager Jose Mourinho saying last weekend that the Frenchman could be out “12 days or 12 weeks” and no one really knows.
The uncertainty is due to the fact that Pogba could require surgery to fix the issue and that United will decide if that is the best course of action next week.
That’s according to ESPN FC United correspondent Rob Dawson, who writes that “the lack of a concrete timeline for Pogba’s comeback is because United are yet to settle on the best course of action. The club have been in touch with Finnish muscle repair specialist Sakari Orava with a decision set to be made about whether or not surgery is required in the next few days.”
Orava has worked with both David Beckham and Ousmane Dembele, but unlike the latter, Pogba could see his injury heal without surgery. Dembele suffered a ruptured tendon, which is more serious than the muscle tear Pogba is now working his way back from. The club will decide whether to go the surgical route or not based on how Paul Pogba progresses.
For now, Mourinho isn’t too worried, as he a lot of depth in his midfield. Sure, Pogba is one of the world’s most elite players, and obviously a huge difference maker, but the Red Devils have plenty of quality at the position.
Jose Mourinho isn't losing any sleep over Paul Pogba's absence pic.twitter.com/f9ip8VOQJa
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 22, 2017
The last official word from the club on the status of Paul Pogba came yesterday, via Mourinho’s weekly news conference.
“I have no idea,” Mourinho responded to a query on the topic.
“No idea. But, again, it’s a great opportunity for other players to play and I trust them all, so I’m not going to cry or be counting the days until Pogba comes back, not at all.
“When he comes back, welcome, but until then, I trust my people.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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