Pogba's B sample confirms positive drugs test

Paul Pogba rejoined Juventus on a free transfer in July 2022 after his contract expired at Manchester United

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba's failed drugs test has been confirmed after his B sample tested positive.

The France international was selected for random testing after Juve's 3-0 win at Udinese on 20 August, when he had been an unused substitute.

If found guilty of doping, he could be banned for between two and four years.

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After Pogba's initial suspension was confirmed in September, anti-doping body Nado Italia said he had violated rules when prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites were found in the test, and the results were "consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds".

Testosterone is a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.

It is understood that Pogba will fight to clear his name believing that if he did take a banned substance, he did so inadvertently.

Speaking at the time of the initial suspension, Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said: "What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule."

Juventus re-signed Pogba on a four-year deal in July 2022 after the player ran down his contract at Manchester United and left as a free agent.

However, Pogba's return to Turin has been beset by persistent injury problems which also saw him miss last year's World Cup in Qatar.

Pogba has played a total of 51 minutes as a substitute this season in games with Bologna and Empoli.

Last season he managed 108 minutes over six Serie A games, three brief appearances and one assist in the Europa League, and 11 minutes in the Coppa Italia - a total of 162 minutes and no goals.

Pogba's injury problems resurfaced recently, with Juventus boss Massimo Allegri saying the player picked up a minor back problem following his appearance against Empoli.