France coach Didier Deschamps has hinted that Paul Pogba's international career is far from over, despite the midfielder's recent doping suspension.
Pogba, a 2018 World Cup winner, saw his initial four-year ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October, with the reduced sanction allowing him to return to competitive action as early as March next year.
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The former Manchester United star could also make a return to the France national team, and could be looking at competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Deschamps, who was asked about the midfielder's potential return to the national side, remained optimistic.
"To believe, yes, but will it be possible? That's all I wish for him," he told Telefoot per FootBoom.
"To have Paul back at his best level would require several steps, but I know him well.
"He has the mindset and character to make it happen."
Pogba was handed a four-year suspension in February, after being provisionally banned by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal in September last year.
With things seeming bleak for the player at the time, he admitted – during an interview with Sky Sports last month – that he considered retirement after being informed of the ban.
However, the 31-year-old added that he threw the idea away as soon as it came to mind.
"The main focus is to get back training and fit, to be on the pitch and do what I love," the Juventus midfielder said.
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Les Bleus, meanwhile, will be focusing on their upcoming UEFA Nations League group stage games against Israel and Italy during the November international break.
By Junaid Benjamin
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