Mamadou Sakho: Liverpool suspend defender over possible doping violation following Manchester United victory
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho will not feature against Newcastle this weekend after the club suspended him over a possible doping violation.
The centre-back has been charged by Uefa for failing a drugs test after testing positive for a fat burner supplement, according to reports in France.
Sakho has until Tuesday to respond to the charge and although still eligible to play, Liverpool have agreed with him that he should not be available for selection while the investigation is ongoing.
"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," said the club in a statement.
"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."