Ex Manchester United star Paul Pogba dealt fresh injury setback amid World Cup fears

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba faces a race against time to be fit for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after making the decision to undergo surgery on an ongoing knee problem.

The Frenchman — who rejoined Juventus this summer after leaving United at the end of last season — pulled out of a training session on Monday morning ahead of Juventus' Champions League group stage opener against Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old is yet to make his second debut for the Italian giants.

Pogba has endured a torrid time since leaving United and his appearance in training ahead of the clash with PSG on Tuesday night was just his second training session since returning to Juve. But with his knee issues continuing, Pogba has made the decision to have surgery for his long-term wellbeing.

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"This morning [Monday] Pogba trained for the second time, but then stopped, and it was then decided that he undergo surgery," Allegri confirmed. "We will realistically get him back in January.

"The World Cup is not my problem, Juventus' problem is that he comes back in January."

France are scheduled to get their defence of their World Cup crown underway on Tuesday, November 22 against Australia. Didier Deschamps' side have been joined in Group D by Denmark and Tunisia.

Pogba got himself on the scoresheet in the final of the 2018 World Cup four years ago, netting Les Blues' third goal in their 4-2 triumph. They will be aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup crowns.

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