Doping prosecutors in Italy have requested a four-year ban for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba after he tested positive for testosterone, according to reports.
Pogba was suspended in September after returning a positive sample following Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20.
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A B sample in October confirmed the result and left Pogba facing an investigation from the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office, who have requested the maximum sanction.
Pogba, who has maintained he took the prohibited substance unwittingly, is believed to have rejected the idea of a plea bargain and is willing to take his case to the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, who will deliver a final verdict.
The French World Cup-winner has endured a miserable second spell at Juventus after re-joining from Manchester United at the end of the 2021-22 season.
He initially joined United in 2009 as a teenager before leaving for Juve in 2012.
He was lured back to Old Trafford in 2016 for a then world-record fee of £89million only to run down his contract and move back to Turin.
The 30-year-old managed just 162 minutes of playing time in all competitions last season and has made two substitute appearances this term.
