Max Allegri admits he has not yet spoken to Paul Pogba after his latest injury setback means the Juventus midfielder will spend more time on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old left Manchester United in the summer and returned to the Italian side, but is yet to play a game during his second spell. Pogba's last competitive outing was back in April and he's been nursing a knee injury which he picked up in pre-season, which has delayed his availability in Turin.
The Old Lady are struggling domestically and haven't been able to call upon their summer signing. Allegri though appeared to have little sympathy after the decision was taken months ago not to undergo surgery, which also means Pogba will miss the World Cup in Qatar.
Allegri said: “Not yet. I spoke to him earlier. It’s pointless repeating what has already been said, once the decision was made not to have surgery at the start of the season, it was normal that hopes that he could return with Juventus and France were slim. He’s sorry for Juventus and the World Cup, it’s normal, we were penalised for not having him available.”
Pogba had played a key role for Les Blues as they triumphed in Russia four years ago, scoring in the final win over Croatia. The world champions will have to defend their crown minus him and N'Golo Kante, who was his partner in midfield.
Juventus have also had to make do without Pogba, who was one of their marquee summer arrivals. Allegri has come under pressure in what is his second full season back at the helm. The Bianconeri have won only half their Serie A games and sit ten points off league leaders Napoli.
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They've also struggled in Europe and may need a result against PSG on Wednesday night if they are to even qualify for the Europa League with Maccabi Haifa tied with them on three points. That would represent a major step back for the Italians, but Allegri is urging the group to see it as an opportunity.
He said ahead of their Champions League clash: "It’s the first in many years where we play without it being decisive for the Champions League. Now in the Europa League we try to go there, it’s still Europe, we have to play a fair match, we face one of the strongest in Europe. Everything is an opportunity. We’ll see the result, whether we’ll be good enough to go but I don’t even want to think about it."
