Juventus star Paul Pogba had his first start in 390 days, but it lasted just over 20 minutes before he limped off in tears after yet another muscular injury.
The midfielder had a bright start against Cremonese at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin, having a couple of shots charged down, but when he whipped in an effort from distance after a corner had been cleared, he suddenly stopped and immediately felt something go.
Pogba was visibly distraught as he received treatment to his left knee and thigh, but was able to walk off the field to make way for Arkadiusz Milik.
Juventus medical staff inform Football Italia that it is a left quadricep issue, so muscular rather than the knee, but it still might be the end of his season.
The 28-year-old pulled his shirt up over his face to hide the tears, which were still visible after a reassuring pat on the back from coach Max Allegri.
It was disconcertingly similar to the last game Pogba started, which was for Manchester United against Liverpool in April 2022, as that ended after 10 minutes.
Including this evening, Pogba has been able to play only 159 minutes of football in the Juventus jersey this season.
This also means he is bound to be out of next Thursday’s Europa League semi-final against Sevilla.
Grande Allegri – knew Pogba was not ready and started him