Paul Pogba’s four-year ban has been reduced to 18 months on appeal – but the 31-year-old midfielder is still expected to leave Juventus.

However, the ban has been reduced to 18 months on appeal, meaning Pogba is free to resume training in January and make his first appearance in March. Despite this, Juventus are expected to terminate his contract – which was due to expire in 2026 – by mutual consent, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Pogba re-joined Juventus from United in July 2022 but endured a difficult first 12 months in Turin before his ban was confirmed, making just 12 appearances in all competitions. Juventus chief executive Maurizio Scanavino said: “I can confirm that we are in talks with Paul Pogba and his team to find a solution.”

With Pogba available for training from January, the Frenchman is expected to join a new club in the winter transfer window, although he could sign on a free transfer at any time. The World Cup winner has potential suitors, with Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille keeping an eye on the midfielder.

NCI’s Malick Traore has reported that Pogba has held “advanced discussions” about reuniting with former United team-mate Mason Greenwood at Marseille, who have started the season well. They are third in Ligue 1 and have picked up 14 points from their opening seven games.

Pogba’s initial DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) test was taken in the first game of the 2023/24 season following a random test and the verdict was returned in October 2023. Pogba has always denied “knowingly or with any intention to take any dietary supplement in breach of anti-doping regulations”.

After his successful appeal, Pogba, who scored 39 goals and provided 48 assists in 233 games for United, issued a statement on the matter – and expressed his delight at trying to get his career back on track. “Finally the nightmare is over,” a statement from Pogba read.

“Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision, I can look forward to the day when I can pursue my dream once again. I have always maintained that I have never knowingly breached the World Anti-Doping Agency’s regulations by taking a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.

“I play with integrity, and although I have to accept that this is a serious offense, I would like to give my thanks to the judges of the Court of Arbitration for Sport for listening to my explanation.

“This has been an incredibly painful period in my life as everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for your love and support. I really can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”