Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho will play no part for Liverpool this season until he explains a "possible anti-doping rule violation" to Uefa.
French publication RMC Sport claimed on Saturday morning that the French international tested positive after taking a ‘fat burning’ drug in a personal capacity, one that contained banned substances.
The five-time European champions then released a statement confirming the news and explaining that while the player is not currently facing any Uefa sanction, the 26-year-old will not play until an investigation into his test results are completed.
Looks like Sakho will ask for a B sample to be taken which will either confirm the results or help quash the charges.
— The Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) April 23, 2016
Sakho was still eligible to play today but decision not to play was made by owners/Ian Ayre, Jurgen Klopp and player himself
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) April 23, 2016
No danger of sanctions against #LFC as a club. Has to be 2 or more players from same team for that to be an issue.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) April 23, 2016
Fans’ favourite Sakho is keen to prove that the failed test was an accident.
Liverpool released the following statement at lunchtime on Saturday:
“Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a formal communication was received from Uefa stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho.
“The player will respond to Uefa on the matter.
“The player is currently not subject to any playing suspension. However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
The alleged offence relates to the Reds' Europa League second-leg tie at Manchester United and it's understood that the France international is highly likely to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that request set for Tuesday.
It’s also understood that after discussion between the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group, manager Jurgen Klopp and the player himself it was decided the centre-back should not play in the immediate future, even though he is still eligible for Premier League matches (including Saturday’s against Newcastle) and Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg in Villarreal.
The club are already without Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and Emre Can for the remainder of the season, all through injury.
