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France: Deschamps won’t take half-fit Pogba to World Cup

Paul Pogba - France
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The French midfielder has stayed out of action since returning to Juventus earlier this summer.

France manager Didier Deschamps has insisted he will only call up Paul Pogba if he regains his best form.

Pogba is racing against time to fully recover ahead of the upcoming 2022 World Cup.

The Frenchman had a successful meniscus surgery earlier this month. According to widespread reports, he will remain out of action for 40 to 60 days, which will put his World Cup chances in serious danger.

“It is impossible today to affirm anything [except] through the intervention and the treatment protocol he has,” Deschamps told reporters.

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“I know Paul very well, and we talk regularly. Today, no one, even him, can say whether he will be there [at the World Cup]. I don’t know if he can be cured.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve never for a single final tournament taken a player if he was not fully recovered. Paul, he’s not here to amuse the gallery.

“If he recovers, it would be a very good thing. He won’t come if he’s unfit. He doesn’t want that either. It’s inconceivable. The number of players who will be there, they will all be ready to play.

“It is a question in relation to the competition.

France will continue their UEFA Nations League campaign when they face Austria and Denmark later this month.

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