France star Paul Pogba is now a doubt for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Four years ago at the Luzhniki Stadium is arguably when Pogba's star shone brightest, when he scored the third of France's four goals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final against Croatia.
Now, in 2022, the French midfielder's hopes of being fit in time for the global showpiece in Qatar are under threat as the Juventus man has had to undergo knee surgery.
France's first game at the tournament is against Australia on 22 November, but Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has given a return date much later than that for the 29-year-old.
"We will realistically get him back in January," the Italian tactician said ahead of the Bianconeri's UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, as per BBC Sport.
"This morning Pogba trained for the second time, but then stopped, and it was then decided that he undergo surgery."
When asked if the former Manchester United star could make an early comeback to help his nation retain their world title, Allegri said: "The World Cup is not my problem, Juventus' problem is that he comes back in January."
The club later confirmed that the surgery went ahead without a hitch.
"This evening, Paul Pogba underwent selective external arthroscopic meniscectomy," a statement on Juve's official website read.
"The surgery, performed by Prof. Roberto Rossi in the presence of the Juventus team doctor Luca Stefanini was a complete success."
Pogba is yet to wear the famous black and white strip of Juve since his return to the club this season due to his persistent knee problem.
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