Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Paul Pogba is still unavailable ahead of Manchester United’s clash with AZ Alkmaar, but he hopes to have the midfielder back before the new year.
Pogba made six appearances for the Red Devils at the start of the season but an ankle injury has sidelined the 26-year-old since September.
Though there have been claims that Pogba could be angling for a move in the January transfer window, Solskjaer insists the Frenchman remains key to his plans going forward.
United, currently top of Europa League Group L, face second-placed AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night and Pogba will once again be an absentee at Old Trafford.
The World Cup winner is also likely to miss the side’s upcoming matches with Everton and Colchester in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively.
Solskjaer will no doubt be tempted to tempted to stick with the same midfield of Fred, Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard which fared so well in United’s victory over Manchester City.
However, Nemanja Matic is likely to feature against AZ Alkmaar after returning from a groin problem.
‘No, it’s too early,’ Solskjaer said when asked about Pogba’s chances of playing on Thursday evening.
On whether Pogba will be back playing in 2019, Solskjaer replied: ‘Yeah, hope so.
‘He is working hard to get fit and hopefully we can get him back on the pitch.’
Solskjaer is reluctant to rush Pogba back into the team and risk further injury.
‘Let’s get him fit and back in form,’ the Norwegian said. He will play loads of games.
‘He’s one of the best players in the world and we’re looking forward to having him back.’
On United’s other injury concerns, Solskjaer added: ‘Diogo [Dalot] is back training fully and Nemanja is back.
‘[Marcos] Rojo is hopefully back next week.
‘Eric [Bailly] and Timothy [Fosu-Mensah] are training with the team from next week onwards.’
