Liverpool sideline defender Sakho after failed drugs test

Liverpool on Saturday decided to sideline defender Mamadou Sakho after being notified by European football governing body, UEFA that the Frenchman is being investigated over a failed drugs test.

"Yesterday, Friday April 22 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," Liverpool said in a statement on Saturday.

"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 club statement said.

The France international, whose participation at Euro 2016 will now be in doubt, is highly likely to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that request set for Tuesday.

Sakho has made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season, memorably scoring the equaliser against Borussia Dortmund as Liverpool won 4-3 at Anfield stadium in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

--IANS

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