PAUL POGBA will be able to return to Juventus training in just 12 weeks after having his doping ban reduced.
The midfielder was suspended for four years in February after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA.
However, his ban has now been reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Daily Mail report.
He will now be free to return to training with the Italian giants in January as a result.
Meanwhile, he can start playing matches again from March following the ruling.
The 31-year-old’s initial £4,178 fine has also been set aside, the report adds.
Pogba’s suspension had commenced on September 2023, with the former Manchester United man facing possible retirement after CAS upheld the four-year ban earlier this year.
He immediately made his intentions to appeal against the ban clear at the time.
According to the report, though, CAS final judgement confirmed that Pogba inadvertently took DHEA, a substance which boosts testosterone.
It is also currently on WADA’s list of banned substances, but the ruling states that DHEA only has an affect on females.
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Pogba has not played since appearing off the bench against Empoli back in September 2023.
He made just two appearances for the Old Lady before his ban came into affect.
The initial suspension had seen him banned from playing until late 2027, by which time he would be 34-years-old.
Pogba returned to Juventus from United on a free transfer in 2022, signing a four-year deal with the club.
Across two spells in Turin, he has made 190 appearances and scored 34 goals.
The World Cup winner has also won nine major trophies in Italy, including four Serie A titles.
However, Juve could now look to cash in on Pogba now he has been cleared to make an early return to the pitch.
He has largely spent his ban away from the club since his suspension.
Just last weekend, he was spotted in the stands for Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Charlotte.
Lionel Messi scored as his side drew 1-1 at Chase Stadium, with his side then claiming the Supporters’ Shield against Columbus Crew on Thursday.
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