Paul Pogba is gearing up for his first appearance since having his drug ban reduced, as he joins a host of football legends in an exhibition match.

Mail Sport has revealed that the French midfielder’s original four-year ban for testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone and is on WADA’s banned list, has been cut to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The initial ban, which stemmed from a positive test in August 2023, had threatened to end Pogba’s career.

With the reduction, Pogba is set to resume training with Juventus in January 2025 and will be eligible to play competitive matches from March 2025.

However, his comeback will happen sooner in a special Legends match in Dubai.

The Kings Cup, scheduled for November 30 at Al Maktoum Stadium, will feature Pogba alongside other football icons. This marks the third edition of the exhibition, which will showcase former World Cup and Champions League winners.

Pogba, John Terry, Roberto Carlos, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, and David Silva are joining the star-studded lineup.

Pogba, one of the biggest names currently playing, will be subject to special rules during the match, limiting him to just 30 minutes of play. He and Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos will feature for 15 minutes in each half and be exempt from receiving yellow or red cards and the offside rule.

Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club, suggesting that Ronaldo and former coach Maurizio Sarri joined at an inopportune moment.

Speaking on Sky Calcio Club, Bonucci reflected on Ronaldo’s years with Juventus, noting that the combination of Ronaldo and Sarri wasn’t the best fit for the team’s ambitions.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Juventus was meant to strengthen an already powerful squad,” the 37-year-old explained.

“The goal was clear: to win the Champions League. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and some unusual dynamics emerged.”

He added, “Allegri was nearing the end of his cycle, then the pandemic hit, and Sarri was trying to navigate managing a team of champions.

“Ronaldo brought energy to the dressing room, but during Sarri’s tenure, he played more as an individual rather than within a team structure. He wanted the freedom to play his way, but Sarri had imposed certain restrictions.”

Bonucci defended Sarri, saying, “People often say Sarri wasn’t a ‘Juventus-style’ manager, but I disagree. The timing wasn’t right. Managing top talents like Ronaldo, Higuain, Dybala, and Douglas Costa all at once is a challenge—you need to be a genius to handle that level of talent.”

Bruno Fernandes has expressed that Manchester United‘s current struggles rank among the “toughest moments” he’s faced since joining the club nearly five years ago.

This marks his first message to fans following his red card in the dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto.

The United captain was sent off for the second consecutive game, receiving his marching orders in the final 10 minutes as the Red Devils sought to claw back after surrendering a 2-0 lead.

This dismissal followed a red card he received just days earlier during the team’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford for a late tackle on James Maddison—a decision that was eventually overturned by the Premier League.

However, Fernandes will still face a suspension in European competition.

Taking to Instagram to break his silence, Fernandes wrote: “Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest. Almost 5 years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments.”

He continued, “Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges and adversities, but one thing that has never changed is my willingness to step up and take responsibility, even in difficult moments.

“I know it sounds like a cliché, and many of you United fans are probably tired of hearing it, but no one is more disappointed with my performances than I am.”

Despite his disappointment, Fernandes took a moment to thank supporters for their positive messages, saying, “Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you who have sent encouraging words of belief in me and the team.”

Before these recent incidents, Fernandes had never been sent off in his Manchester United career. However, his challenge at the Estadio do Dragao was deemed reckless, as he jumped with his studs up to reach the ball, clashing with Porto’s Perez, who had lowered his head to clear the ball.

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson weighed in on the incident: “Bruno Fernandes was not happy.

He went in high, and it was dangerous. He may have been focused on the ball, but in doing so, he left the referee with no choice.”

Despite Fernandes’ sending-off, United managed to salvage a point thanks to Harry Maguire’s 91st-minute header.

United boss Erik ten Hag, currently under pressure due to a string of poor results, will hope to avoid further setbacks when his side visits Aston Villa this Sunday.

While Fernandes will be available for the Premier League clash, he will miss United’s upcoming European fixture against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce if Ten Hag remains in charge by then.