Paul Pogba will miss the World Cup in Qatar

France midfielder Paul Pogba will miss the World Cup in Qatar, with Juventus announcing that he’ll need to continue his recovery following an X-ray on his knee.

The 29-year-old has not played a single minute for Juventus this season since rejoining the club from Manchester United on a free transfer in July.

Pogba injured his knee in July while on preseason with the Serie A club and first decided not to undergo surgery on his meniscus before changing his mind and having the operation.

He faced a race against time to recover in time to lead Les Bleus into the 2022 tournament and France boss Didier Deschamps was also aware of the situation.

The news is a huge setback for reigning world champions France, who will also be without Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante for this year's tournament.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are now expected to start in midfield for France in their World Cup opener against Australia on Nov. 22.

Pogba was one of France's most influential players in their 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final as they won the trophy for the second time.

France will face Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D at the World Cup finals.