World Cup in doubt for Paul Pogba with imminent surgery on knee injury - Juve confirms

The Frenchman had opted against surgery in the summer to give himself the best opportunity to play for his national side in November, choosing rest and other measures to relieve the pain. 

However his club manager, Massimiliano Allegri, confirmed the meniscus injury would now require surgery in his pre-match press conference as his side gears up to face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. 

He explained: "This morning Paul Pogba trained for the second time, but then stopped, and it was then decided that he undergo surgery. We will realistically get him back in January."

Pogba played just 45 minutes in pre-season for Juventus and has missed every one of their Serie A games since moving back to Turin from Manchester United in the summer. 

Now, given the surgery coming 10 weeks before the World Cup, it casts serious doubt on his participation in Qatar. It would be a huge blow for France as they look to retain their title, which they won in Russia four years ago.