Paul Pogba again missing for Juventus after fine for Europa League late show

Juventus have confirmed that Paul Pogba is not in their squad for this weekend's visit of Sampdoria.

The former Manchester United player also missed the midweek Europa League match against Freiburg due to disciplinary reasons after being fined for arriving late for a pre-match team meeting. Juventus won the first leg of their round of 16 tie 1-0 in Pogba's absence.

Massimiliano Allegri played down the incident, joking about it during post-match interviews, before confirming the France international would be available for selection ahead of their return to domestic football. But another injury issue has reportedly put a halt to that aim.

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Goal journalist Romeo Agresti reports that Pogba felt a 'muscle problem' during a training session on the morning of the match. Those reports came to light after the club had posted a graphic detailing their 21-man matchday squad, which did not include the midfielder.

Further tests will be required to ascertain the severity of this latest setback. Pogba has already missed more than 40 matches this season for club and country since undergoing surgery on a meniscus tear in his right knee during the summer.

He has been restricted to a pair of cameo appearances off the bench since then with Allegri easing the player back into the fold. In the immediate term, it puts Pogba's participation in next week's second leg against Freiburg and the following weekend's Derby d'Italia versus Inter Milan in doubt.

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