João Pedro suspended after Cagliari star fails drugs test
A provisional suspension for failing a drugs test was probably not the birthday surprise the Brazilian midfielder had in mind.
Cagliari's João Pedro has been handed a provisional suspension after failing a drugs test, Italy's national anti-doping agency NADO has confirmed.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide after Cagliari's goalless draw at Sassuolo in Serie A on February 11.
Caglari star receives ban news on 26th birthday
João Pedro has impressed for Diego López's relegation-threatened side this season, scoring five times in 19 top-flight starts and regularly wearing the captain's armband.
News of the positive test proved a particularly unwelcome birthday present, coming hours after Cagliari tweeted to give their best wishes to João Pedro for turning 26.