Pogba 'calls for counter analysis' after testing positive for testosterone

Paul Pogba has called for counter analysis on the test that came back positive for doping, according to reports.

The France midfielder is facing a ban of up to four years after a sample tested positive for testosterone after his club’s Serie A fixture against Udinese on August 20, a game in which he did not play.

It has capped what has been an underwhelming return to Juventus after six years at Manchester United, who signed him for a then world record £89million from the Old Lady.

Pogba had until Thursday to call for a retest on the sample, with the failed test initially emerging on Monday.

The analysis process will take another seven days, but if it comes back positive once again, the prosecution process will start and could result in dismissal, plea bargaining or a trial before tribunal, according to Sky.

'We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can't say anything,' Pogba's representative Rafael Pimenta said in a statement to Sky Sports News.

'The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules.'

For testing, WADA dictates that athletes divide their urine into two distinct bottles, with one used for the initial test and the second for a possible follow-up analysis.

The player's future at Juventus is yet unclear, with the Turin-based outfit thought to be prepared to suspend the 30-year-old's wages should proceedings against him begin following a positive result.

A conviction for the possible offence could see a two year ban handed to the World Cup winner, although that could double to four years if the substance found in analysis is specifically listed and it is found that he took it intentionally.

Should Pogba receive a ban after the counter analysis, his contract with the Serie A giants could be terminated.

Since his return to Turin, Pogba has played just 12 games, struggling with a number of injuries after rejoining from Man United.

Juventus are thought to be targeting a move for Arsenal's Thomas Partey should Pogba be banned, with the Ghanaian star already linked with the club this summer, although reports suggest he could be difficult to prise from north London.