Juma Bah: The baker turned towering defender hoping to be City's future leader

Biggest winners & losers from the Champions League last 16

Four games in 12 days: Where Chelsea-City will be won & lost

The new Ghana kits are out of this world

Madrid are unkillable! UCL luck is shining on Real yet again

Editors' Picks

How much does Sadio Mane earn in Saudi Pro League?

Pique 'brought to tears' at trial over alleged fraud and corruption

Ronaldo & Nadal's Madrid restaurant 'closes permanently' 

Tuchel, what are you thinking?! Winners & losers from first England squad

Amorim 'proud' of Dorgu for humble penalty admission

Fernandes fires back at Ratcliffe over 'overpaid' comments

Messi & MLS told why can't compete with CR7 & Saudi Pro League

Bruno is Man Utd's God! Captain bags hat-trick in blitz of Real Sociedad

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Folarin Balogun worked back in with the first team</li><li>Underwent shoulder surgery in December</li><li>Faces fight for national team striker role</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun returns to AS Monaco training as shoulder surgery recovery speeds up

CONCACAF Nations League

Panama

Ligue 1

Monaco

Nice

<p>U.S. international Folarin Balogun is back in the mix for Monaco after sustaining a serious shoulder injury and has a chance to return to first-team action within the next two weeks, <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/monacos-folarin-balogun-returns-to-first-team-training-aleksandr-golovin-nearing-return/" target="_blank">according to manager Adi Hutter</a>. The USMNT forward won't be in the mix against Toulouse this weekend but could be involved against Angers March 15. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Balogun is ineligible to play in the Nations League Finals due to not being included in the preliminary roster. Yet it is still a welcome boost for Mauricio Pochettino.  <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/different-aura-that-he-brings-to-the-table-cbs-sports-golazo-network-analyst-nico-cantor-on-world-class-mauricio-pochettino-mixed-champions-league-and-why-usl-can-compete-with-mls/blt09da539d20de39b7" target="_blank">The Argentine manager</a> faces a shortage in his striker pool, with Josh Sargent currently the only No.9 with extensive national team experience. Balogun could potentially factor in when the Gold Cup kicks off this summer. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Balogun was finding form before sustaining his injury. The USMNT forward had scored three in four games for Monaco prior to dislocating his shoulder for the first time.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Balogun hopes to be included in Monaco's March 15 Ligue 1 fixture against the Angers, with an eye on getting back into the national team picture. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun returns to AS Monaco training as shoulder surgery recovery speeds up | Goal.com

Folarin Balogun is back in first team training for Monaco, although he might not be available until after the international break

Next matches