Reports have emerged that Paul Pogba, the France midfielder who recently returned to Juventus from Manchester United, has tested positive for testosterone.
The test was allegedly conducted after Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese on August 20, a game that Pogba did not participate in due to unknown reasons.
Following the findings, Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal has provisionally suspended Pogba, who now has the option of requesting a backup “B” sample.
Testosterone is a hormone that enhances athletes’ endurance, and Pogba could potentially face a ban of up to four years if found guilty after a trial and testing of the backup sample.
Pogba has been plagued by injuries since his return to Juventus, having been previously ruled out of France’s World Cup final last year due to a knee injury.
Additionally, there is an ongoing police investigation in France into claims that Pogba was a target of extortionists, including his older brother Mathias, who denies any wrongdoing.
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Juventus has released a statement confirming the precautionary suspension order, and the club has reserved the right to consider further steps.
Pogba is yet to comment on the matter, having made eight Serie A appearances for the club so far.
