- Pogba is currently sidelined due to a reported back injury, as confirmed by Juve’s coach Massimiliano Allegri
- He has a three-day window to request a ‘B’ sample for confirmation or admit to using the prohibited substance
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended following a positive testosterone test result.
The adverse result came to light after Juve’s 3-0 victory over Udinese on August 20.
During that game, Pogba was listed as a substitute but didn’t play. He later made appearances as a second-half substitute in Juve’s 1-1 draw against Bologna on August 27 and their 2-0 win over Empoli on September 3. However, he’s been out of action due to a reported back injury, according to Juve’s head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
As a precautionary measure, the former Manchester United midfielder will be suspended and will have a three-day window to request a ‘B’ sample.
If the positive test is confirmed, Pogba will face a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Tribunal in Italy, unless he admits to using the prohibited substance.
In case of a guilty verdict, Pogba could be banned for up to two years, but if it’s proven that he intentionally took the substance, the suspension could extend to as long as four years.
Pogba made a return to Juventus on a free transfer in July of the previous year after his contract with Manchester United expired.
The 30-year-old, who initially joined United for £89 million in 2016, missed a significant portion of the previous season and was unable to participate in the World Cup due to a required knee surgery.