adminLiverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is being investigated by Uefa over a possible anti-doping rule violation, the Premier League club revealed on Saturday. Sakho has not been suspended over the potential violation, but Liverpool have decided to leave out the France international while the probe continues and he was absent from the squad for Saturday’s league fixture against Newcastle United at Anfield.
Reports in France claim Sakho tested positive for a fat burner after the Reds’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Europa League on March 17, but Liverpool have not confirmed those suggestions.
“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,” a statement on Liverpool’s website read.
“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.”
Sakho, who has 28 caps for France, is said to be ready to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that request set for Tuesday.
The 26-year-old centre-back is believed not to have known the composition of the weight-loss supplement and has informed the club he acted in good faith.
Sakho’s Liverpool team-mate Kolo Toure was suspended for six months after failing a drugs test while playing for Manchester City in February 2011.
Meanwhile Newcastle boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League by coming back from 2-0 down to claim a point at in-form Liverpool.
Daniel Sturridge’s goal after 76 seconds and Adam Lallana’s finish meant the Reds were cruising at the break.
But Papiss Cisse headed United back into contention early in the second half before Jack Colback pulled them level with a deflected shot.
They stay in the bottom three but are now a point behind 17th-placed Norwich. — AFP/BBC Sport
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