Paul Pogba, a midfielder for France, will have knee surgery, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri announced on Monday, casting doubt on his ability to play in the World Cup.
Pogba led France to the 2018 World Cup victory as a standout performer. He suffered a right knee injury in July and decided not to have surgery in order to be ready for the event in Qatar this year.
In the off-season, the former Manchester United player joined Juventus. Tuesday’s Champions League match between the Italian team and Paris Saint-Germain.
“Pogba trained this morning but he stopped, and decided to go ahead with an operation,” said Allegri.
With 76 days left until the World Cup as of Monday, several reports indicate that recovering from a meniscus operation would likely take 40 to 60 days.
Pogba’s knee preservation strategy had initially included swimming and gymnastics practice.
On Sunday, the 29-year-old visited the practice area once more.
