Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has opted against having surgery for a tear in his meniscus in an attempt to keep his World Cup hopes alive, according to multiple reports.
Pogba suffered the injury in training during Juve’s tour of the United States. After consulting with a specialist in France, the midfielder has opted for a five-week rehab program involving training in the gym and swimming pool, according to Tuttosport.
The 29-year-old had the option to fix the problem through surgery, but that could have jeopardized his availability for the World Cup. Pogba is hoping to play a key role for France like he did in 2018 when Les Bleus won the tournament.
There are, of course, risks involved in Pogba’s choice to not undergo surgery and comprehensively fix the knee issue. The midfielder has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and failing to fully deal with his latest issue will make it more likely to come up again in the future.
For Juventus, it’s an inauspicious start to Pogba’s celebrated return from Manchester United, with the midfielder coming back to the club where he starred between 2012 and 2016.
France, at least for the time being, can breathe a sigh of relief that its star midfielder won’t undergo an operation that would see him likely miss the World Cup.
But all parties will be holding their collective breath that Pogba’s latest injury setback won’t be a sign of things to come.
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