Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho suspended by club after failing drugs test

Liverpool have confirmed their French defender Mamadou Sakho is being investigated for a "possible anti-doping rule violation". The 26-year-old player, who joined the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, is currently not subject to any playing suspension by Uefa.

However, the club, in consultation with the player, have decided that he will not be available for selection while the process is ongoing, ruling him out of the Premier League visit of Newcastle United on Saturday [23 April].

In a statement released on their official website, Liverpool explained: "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. 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."

The test in question is said to have occurred after the Reds' 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League last month, according to The Mirror. Sakho's Liverpool teammate Kolo Toure was handed a six-month ban for a similar doping offence during his time at Manchester City in 2011.