Paul Pogba Joins N'Golo Kante In Being Ruled Out Of Qatar World Cup

Paul Pogba's agent has confirmed that the midfielder will not be able to play at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Fellow France midfielder N'Golo Kante is also out.

Paul Pogba's agent has confirmed that the midfielder will not be able to play at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Pogba won the Young Player Award at the 2014 World Cup and then shone as France won the tournament in Russia four years later.

But he will be absent as his France teammates attempt to defend their title in Qatar.

Pogba has not played a single minute of soccer for Juventus since signing from Manchester United in the summer.

The 29-year-old suffered a knee injury in July and, after struggling to get over it naturally, he underwent surgery in early September.

His recovery from that surgery will not be complete before France play Australia in their first World Cup game on November 22.

Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, published a statement on Monday.

Paul Pogba's agent Rafaela Pimenta on him missing the FIFA World Cup due to injury.👇 pic.twitter.com/MwZnfYtWkv

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 31, 2022

Pimenta's statement read: "Following yesterday's and today's medical review in Torino and Pittsburgh, it is extremely painful to inform Paul Pogba will still need recovery time from his surgery.

"For this reason, Paul will not be able to join Juventus' squad before the World Cup break nor the French national team in Qatar."

N'Golo Kante, who starred alongside Pogba in France's midfield at Russia 2018, has also been ruled out of this year's tournament due to an injury.

Their absences will provide a big opportunity for Real Madrid youngsters Aurelien Tchouameni, 22, and Eduardo Camavinga, 19, to impress in the center of the park for France.

France midfielders Paul Pogba (left) and N'Golo Kante pictured during the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia :: IMAGO/PanoramiC