Solskjaer: Pogba 'probably' needs surgery after latest injury

Paul Pogba may be waiting quite a while to make his sixth Premier League start of the season.

The Manchester United midfielder was excluded from his team's New Year's Day trip to Arsenal due to yet another fitness concern, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United manager added that Pogba might need an operation on the ailment.

"He's injured," Solskjaer said to MUTV. "He's feeling some discomfort in his ankle and he'll be out for a few weeks, definitely."

Solskjaer was pressed for further information on Pogba's fitness after the 2-0 loss at Arsenal.

"Yeah, I do (expect him to be at United beyond the transfer window)," he told BT Sport. "He's injured now, he'll probably need another operation on his foot. Let's see how long it takes for him to get back."

Pogba posted images on Instagram from a charity match at the Stade de la Vallee du Cher in Tours, France, where he watched his brothers play on Sunday. He missed the previous day's outing in Burnley because "he didn't feel it was right for him to participate," according to Solskjaer.

(Photo source: Manchester Evening News)

Pogba only managed two substitute appearances throughout October, November, and December because of a persistent ankle problem and an illness. Solskjaer has defended his player's professionalism during the lengthy absence, but rumors abound that Pogba is still seeking an Old Trafford exit after expressing a desire to pursue "a new challenge somewhere else" last summer.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has made seven Premier League appearances overall this season and played a full 90 minutes against Rochdale in the League Cup. Pogba's time on the sidelines has allowed Scott McTominay, Fred, and Andreas Pereira to amass the most Premier League minutes in United's midfield.