Juventus are reportedly considering selling or releasing Paul Pogba in the summer - as the France international's injury woes continue.
Pogba, 29, has not played for Juventus since re-joining the Italian giants from Manchester United on a free transfer last summer. The central midfielder suffered a knee injury during pre-season and failed to recover in time for the recent World Cup in Qatar.
Pogba was on the bench for Juventus' shock 2-0 home loss to Monza last Sunday but did not feature. Manager Massimiliano Allegri has since confirmed that the player has picked up another knock and it is unclear when he will finally make his second debut.
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are losing patience with Pogba and could decide to part ways in the summer if he does not return to their starting XI in the near future. A premature move to a Major League Soccer (MLS) club has been suggested.
At just 29, it is hard to imagine a player of Pogba's standing leaving European football in the summer. The World Cup winner is still an active international and a move to the United States could put his France future in doubt. He has won 91 senior caps to date.
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Pogba's activity on Instagram is said to be angering Juventus fans. In November, he uploaded a video of himself dancing with the caption: "Best way to test your knee." The following month, he posted pictures from a skiing trip (although it is believed he did not ski).
Paul Pogba has not played a competitive game this season (Daniele Badolato/Juventus FC via Getty Images)Do you think Paul Pogba will leave Juventus? Let us know in the comments below!
It is also claimed that Pogba initially refused to have a surgery on his knee injury to boost his chances of playing in the World Cup. He did not go under the knife until September, when it became apparent the complaint could not be resolved without surgery. Juventus are said to be 'furious' with the decision not to have the operation last summer.
Juventus were delighted when Pogba re-signed for the club last summer. The Frenchman played 178 games for them during his first spell, which saw him win eight trophies - including four Serie A titles - and receive the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Pogba also won the Young Player Award at the 2014 World Cup and helped Juventus reach the 2015 Champions League final, where they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona. He was re-signed by Man Utd for a world-record transfer fee of £89million in August 2016.
Pogba failed to live up to his billing during his second spell at Old Trafford. He won just two trophies during the next six years - neither of which were the Premier League title or the Champions League - and was allowed to leave on a free transfer last summer.
Juventus are now thought to be wondering what action to take. His four-year contract is worth a reported £31m and terminating it early could save the Serie A club some money in the long run. That could be a factor, as Juventus are struggling financially.
They were recently deducted 15 Serie A points by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following an investigation into financial irregularities and false accounting. That has left them 13th in the table and in danger of missing out on European football next term.
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