Paul Pogba has reportedly tested positive for testosterone following the opener versus Udinese, where he didn’t play. Juventus and the player have yet to confirm the news, which has been reported by several outlets.
According to AdnKronos, the midfielder faces a preventive suspension while waiting for further tests. If the situation didn’t change, he could be disqualified for two to four years as a result of the trial, depending on various circumstances and the severity of the infraction.
Pogba logged two appearances off the bench to start the season after missing the Udinese match because he wasn’t 100 percent. He suffered a thigh problem against Empoli, but it wasn’t serious and was tentatively questionable for the upcoming clash with Lazio.
The Frenchman sat out almost the entire past season due to a meniscus tear. In the summer, he drew interest from Saudi Arabia but decided to stay put in Turin to try to redeem himself. The Bianconeri were mulling opening talks to revise his contract and reduce his wages.
Before Pogba, the last player to test positive for a banned substance was José Luis Palomino. He was eventually cleared but the process took about three months. As far as Juventus are concerned, the last case dates back to 222 years ago. Edgar Davids was banned for four months for taking a steroid, nandrolone, but the bylaws were different at the time.
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