Liverpool have confirmed that Mamadou Sakho has been informed of a possible drug test failure.
The club released a statement that reads:
"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 central defender is said to have failed the test due to the use of a fat burning supplement similar to the one Kolo Toure was suspended six months for using during his time at Manchester City according to reports in France.
Big news for #LFC ahead of today's visit of Newcastle. @RMCsport claim Mamadou Sakho has been suspended for testing positive in a drugs test
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) April 23, 2016
Liverpool have not confirmed which substance Sakho tested positive for but reports in France suggest it was a fat burner.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) April 23, 2016
The suspension comes at a terrible time for Liverpool and Sahko as they prepare for a Europa League semi-final against Villarreal and as Sakho prepares to represent France in Euro 2016.
The 26-year-old has been in very good form for Jurgen Klopp's men and has appeared in 34 games for Liverpool this season.
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