News Focus
- Caio Henrique faces an extended spell on the sidelines with a fresh muscular problem
- The Brazilian defender will miss Sunday’s clash with Lille and requires further medical tests
- Paul Pogba is poised for increased game time following his successful comeback against Metz
- The French midfielder completed 60 minutes in his first start for the club in three years
- Manager Sébastien Pocognoli backs Pogba to grow stronger with additional match practice
AS Monaco must cope without Caio Henrique when they travel to face Lille OSC this weekend. The Brazilian left-back has suffered a fresh setback that delays his return to first-team action.
The defender had been closing in on full recovery from a hamstring issue and was training with the senior squad. However, boss Sébastien Pocognoli revealed that the player has picked up another muscle injury. While this may not be a direct relapse of his previous condition, Henrique will undergo medical assessment over the coming days. He will definitely sit out the match against Lille. The 27-year-old hopes to recover in time for the final league game against RC Strasbourg Alsace and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
In contrast, Paul Pogba is available and could start once again. The French midfielder made his first appearance in the starting eleven for three years during last weekend’s victory over FC Metz. He completed 60 minutes on the pitch, marking his longest single-match appearance in four seasons.
Pocognoli believes the former Manchester United and Juventus star can improve his match fitness gradually. “When a player returns after such a long absence, you must rebuild their physical base. This is similar to a player coming back from a two or three-month lay-off. We expect him to grow stronger,” the coach told reporters.
Defender Thilo Kehrer also offered support for his teammate. “The body adjusts better in the second game. I am sure he will improve. He has excellent mental strength. This week, you can see the match time has given him fresh energy,” Kehrer stated.