Pogba suspended after testing positive for testosterone

The Juventus midfielder could face a ban of up to four years

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone.

NADO Italia, the country’s anti-doping agency, announced on Monday that Pogba failed a random test following Juventus’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20.

“In acceptance of the instance proposed by the national anti-doping prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba,” a NADO Italia statement read.

The agency added that it found “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites” in Pogba’s test, a violation of anti-doping rules.

Pogba could be suspended between two and four years if found guilty.

Juventus confirmed the suspension in a statement, saying it “reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”

The suspension is the latest blow in what has been a difficult return to Juventus for Pogba, who rejoined his former club on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

The 30-year-old’s first season was almost entirely ruined by injuries, which also forced him to miss the World Cup with France.

Pogba has made two appearances off the bench so far this season for Juventus. After an appearance against Empoli prior to the international break, Pogba felt pain in his back and his manager Max Allegri said he would have to undergo tests to determine the severity.

[lawrence-related id=27790,27595,19670]