Turin, ITALY: Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has allegedly tested positive for the use of testosterone, according to multiple reports in Italy.
The French International, his club Juventus, the Serie A or the Italian Football Federation have not yet confirmed the news or made any statements.
The 30-year-old midfielder is said to have been found to have elevated levels of the hormone in random checks carried out after the Italian club’s opening Serie A clash with Udinese which took place on August 20, according to news agency ANSA.
Pogba, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, remained on the bench throughout the match but has appeared as a substitute in subsequent clashes against Bologna and Empoli. It is not clear which body has conducted the tests.
Another Italian media outlet, Sportmediaset claims that if found guilty, Pogba could be brought in front of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and face a ban from all footballing activity for up to two years, which could extend to four if it is proven the player took it knowingly.
Juventus’s next match is a Saturday early kick-off vs Lazio with the Frenchman’s inclusion now unclear in light of the reports.
Pogba has been laden with injury for much of his Juventus return. He played just 10 times last season amid four separate significant setbacks involving the knee, groin and hamstring. He missed the 2022 World Cup as a result.
Pogba left Manchester United in 2022 on a free transfer to rejoin his former employers where he departed in 2016 to join the former for a then-record £89m move.
At United, Pogba made 233 club appearances scoring 39 goals and registering 51 assists, with silverware in the Europa League and League Cup.
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