Paul Pogba injury latest as Juventus return date identified for former Manchester United man

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly aiming for a return to fitness in time for their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Inter Milan.

The former Manchester United player missed the last three matches before the international break due to a tweaked adductor injury sustained during training while taking free kicks. Pogba also missed the previous game after arriving late for a meal before their Europa League tie versus Freiburg and was fined.

He has only made two substitute appearances this season since returning to Turin from Old Trafford on a free transfer. A torn meniscus injury, which required surgery in pre-season, prompted subsequent setbacks and kept the midfielder out until late February. The France international wants to return soon after domestic football returns next month.

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Juventus host Hellas Verona in their first fixture back following the international fortnight, but Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports a return later that week or the following weekend is more likely. The cup semi-final versus Inter follows three days later on April 4 before Max Allegri's side are again in Serie A action against Lazio a week later.

Comments from the Juventus manager about a potential return date suggest a similar timeframe for Pogba. Before Sunday's win over Inter in the league, Allegri said: “We’ve been saying the same things for eight months. When he’s doing well, as happened before Torino, he’ll be available; I doubt he’ll be available immediately after the break; it’ll take a little more time.”

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