‘Paul Pogba is an option for PSG’s game’ – AS Monaco’s head coach Sebastian Pocognoli

AS Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli faces a key midfield decision ahead of Saturday night’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Club captain Denis Zakaria, who featured in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Pafos, will be unavailable after receiving a red card against Stade Rennais last weekend.

Zakaria is normally the natural partner for Lamine Camara in the centre of the pitch, but his absence leaves Pocognoli searching for an alternative.

One possibility is Paul Pogba, who made his long-awaited return last week after more than two years out of professional football.

The former France international played nine minutes against Rennes but did not feature in midweek. Pocognoli explained that the decision was tactical rather than fitness-related. “We tried to bring a bit more going forward,” he said in a press conference ahead of the big game. “The Paul option was a bit more defensive, but he was ready, and he will be ready tomorrow, too.”

Asked whether Pogba could start against PSG, Pocognoli remained cautious. “We have enough quality in our core to compensate for [Zakaria’s] absence. Paul is obviously an option, but we have to take things by steps. We are moving in the right direction, and we hope to push him to have more minutes on the pitch.”