Pogba and his legal team are in the final stages of launching his appeal against a four-year doping ban.
Deschamps said: “I am sorry. We often talk. He’s had a difficult moment and I would have brought him to the World Cup (in 2023) if he was not injured.
“I know him and I don’t think he took banned substances intentionally. There is a positive thing which is the appeal to the arbitration court. I hope he can return soon, he has the mental strength to do it.”
At his France media conference, Deschamps also spoke of Adrien Rabiot's situation as his Juve deal runs down this month.
He added: “I know he is happy in Turin, where he remained last season without the Champions League, which he could play next season.
“Sometimes, we talk about it, but a decision is up to him; he is free, and he has many options.”