Paul Pogba has been dropped from the Juventus squad ahead of their crucial Europa League match at home to Freiburg on Thursday due to disciplinary issues.
The former Manchester United star, 29, is reported to have arrived late to a team meal on Wednesday evening and manager Massimiliano Allegri has taken action with the backing of club chiefs. In a press conference ahead of the round-of-16 clash, Allegri said that Pogba had faced a setback following his recent return from a six-month injury lay-off.
"Yesterday Pogba did a good training session, today he rested, tomorrow morning we will know if he is available," the Juventus boss told reporters. "Today he didn't work with the team. I think he's available, but we'll see."
After his reported disciplinary breach, the French midfielder won't take part against German side Freiburg, a match which is vital to the Bianconeri's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. Following a massive 15-point deduction after being charged with flouting Italian football's financial regulations, Juventus face a fight to finish in the top four of Serie A.
Their situation means that winning the Europa League, which offers automatic qualification to Europe's elite competition, could end up being the Italian giants' best route. Pogba has been unable to help Juventus for much of this season due to having surgery on his knee over the summer and a series of injury issues plaguing him since, resulting in only 34 minutes of competitive action following his return to the club.
Two appearances from the bench have seen the 29-year-old slowly integrate himself into Allegri's setup. His absence on Thursday was first reported by Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport less than eight hours before kick-off, as it soon emerged that Allegri had received the backing of Juventus officials with his decision.
Without Pogba, the Bianconeri beat French outfit Nantes 4-1 on aggregate in the play-off round after finishing third in their Champions League group. Keeping faith in Allegri despite their early exit, Juventus have enjoyed a decent 2023 which has included only three defeats, the most recent coming on Sunday as they lost 1-0 away to Jose Mourinho 's Roma.
The result leaves them in seventh place, 12 points behind Roma, who currently occupy fourth spot with 13 games remaining. Pogba's return from injury was a welcome boost for Juventus heading into the final stretch, having re-signed him on a free transfer from Man United last summer.
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The France international, who also missed the World Cup through injury, was delighted to be back on the pitch when he made a cameo in the Turin derby last week, helping Allegri and co see out a 4-2 win against local rivals Torino. " All smiles for tonight, so happy to be back," Pogba wrote on Instagram alongside of a photo of him beaming with joy. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
Allegri added: " It had been a long time we wanted Pogba back with us and we are happy. With a game every three days, we need everyone available." Pogba, however, won't be in action against Freiburg.
