Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested Paul Pogba might never play for Manchester United again.
Pogba, who has been injured for most of this season and is continuing his recovery following surgery, is determined to leave United this summer.
Solskjaer was asked if he could categorically state that United's club record £89million signing would play again this season – and was unable to give a definitive answer.
“Well, of course, I'd like to say that, as soon as he gets fit, he'll be good enough to play for the team,” said Solskjaer. “I'm sure Paul's desperate to play for us again.”
Pogba has played just eight games this season, his last appearance coming as a second-half substitute in United's 4-1 Boxing Day win over Newcastle .
The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury which kept him out from October to December, then underwent surgery early last month to address further problems.
Solskjaer gave Pogba permission to continue his rehab in Dubai, while the rest of the United squad – including injured players in recovery – attended a warm-weather training camp in Spain.
Pogba's absence from the week-long Marbella camp, with Solskjaer's consent, has fuelled the belief the midfielder's fate has already been sealed, with his expected exit this summer.
Asked why Pogba did not go to Spain with the rest of the squad, Solskjaer said: “I don't have to justify every decision.
“He's been in and around here, and of course I okayed him doing his recovery somewhere else.
“As a player, the last thing you want to be is injured. Paul's a footballer and he wants to play football.
“He knows he has to work hard now to get back to his best. He's been out now for so long now, it's a challenge for him as well to get back into shape.”
Solskjaer said Pogba's prolonged absence had enabled other players to step up and show what they can do.
“Paul's an important player for us, but also we've also learned so much about the others,” said Solskjaer.
“Some have really stepped up and taken on this responsibility and shown what they can be, so there's always a chance.”
Asked whether the constant comments from Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, about his client's desire to leave United, were unhelpful, Solskjaer was unequivocal.
“I haven't sat down and told Paul to tell his agent what to say,” said the United boss. “But Paul is our player and not Mino's.”
