Overview
- The 32-year-old entered in the 85th minute to a standing ovation, recording a brief cameo in his first competitive match since September 2023.
- He described the moment as a relief and stressed he must regain fitness to play full matches, saying any France ambitions hinge on his club performances.
- His layoff stemmed from an August 2023 DHEA positive that brought a four-year ban later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- Juventus ended his contract by mutual consent in November 2024 before he signed for Monaco in June 2025 on a free transfer under a phased return plan.
- Monaco face Pafos in the Champions League midweek before hosting PSG, with staff set to increase his minutes gradually after the Rennes setback.