Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba tests positive for testosterone

Juventus midfielder and France international Paul Pogba has tested positive for testosterone. The France international failed a drugs test after the Serie A game between Udinese and Juventus on August 20, when he was an unused substitute for Juventus in their 3-0 victory on the opening day of the new Serie A campaign.

In order to prove his innocence, the World Cup winner will need to request a counter-analysis of the drug test. If the initial positive test is confirmed, Italy’s national anti-doping court could trial the former Manchester United man.

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How long could Pogba be suspended for?

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba could face a suspension of up to four years if proven guilty of doping.

What have Juventus said?

In a statement announced on Monday, Juventus said: “Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023. The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”

Pogba’s ongoing issues

The midfielder has suffered from ongoing injury setbacks in recent seasons and is currently out of action due to an injury he picked up against Italian side Empoli before the international break.

Pogba’s injury problems saw him miss the 2022 World Cup with France, and he only played 10 games (161 minutes) last season. This season, he has played 52 minutes in Juve’s first three Serie A games.