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Paul Pogba ‘FAILS a drugs test, testing positive for testosterone after Juventus’ first game of the season’
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been given a temporary suspension after testing positive for testosterone.
After Juve’s 3-0 victory over Udinese on August 20, the World Cup winner’s drug test revealed an unfavourable result.
Pogba was listed as a substitute for the match, but he did not play.
He entered as a second-half substitute in Juve’s 1-1 draw with Bologna at home on August 27 and 2-0 victory against Empoli away on September 3.
He has since been sidelined with a back injury, according to Massimiliano Allegri, the head coach of Juventus.
The former midfielder for Manchester United will be suspended out of caution and given three days to submit a “B” sample request.
Unless he admits to taking the prohibited substance, Pogba will have to appear before the National Anti-Doping Tribunal in Italy for a hearing if the positive test is verified.
Pogba faces a maximum two-year punishment if found guilty, but a four-year suspension is possible if it can be shown that he took the drug on purpose.
After his contract with United expired in July of last year, Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old, who joined United for £89 million in 2016, was sidelined for a large part of last season and was forced to miss the World Cup after requiring knee surgery.
Pogba ended up making his second debut for Juve at the end of February but was then dropped from the squad the following week due to disciplinary reasons after turning up late for a team dinner.