Sakho dope probe clouds Euro semi
Print Edition
LIVERPOOL’S big week has been given an unwanted injection of tension by Mamadou Sakho, who has been sidelined by the club while he is investigated by UEFA over a possible doping violation.
France center-half Sakho, who has been a key player in recent weeks, was left out of the team that drew 2-2 against Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday and is being sidelined by the club, with the first leg of its Europa League semifinal against Villarreal looming on Thursday.
Juergen Klopp’s side, which surrendered a two-goal lead against a Newcastle team managed by its former Champions League-winning coach Rafa Benitez, is also pursuing the top-five finish in the Premier League that would guarantee Europa League action next season.
“There’s nothing to say about missing Mamadou,” Klopp said before Saturday’s game. “There’s a statement and that’s all we can say at the moment. We’ll know more next week probably.”
Sakho, whose involvement for France at Euro 2016 is now in doubt, is expected to ask for his B sample to be tested, with the deadline for the request set for tomorrow.
Sakho’s absence — he is technically still available, so it is Liverpool’s decision not to select him rather than UEFA’s directive — could hardly have come at a more difficult time for Klopp, who will also discover this week whether Divock Origi has a chance of returning to action this season.
The Belgian striker, again one of the in-form players, is awaiting a decision on the ankle ligaments he damaged in the 4-0 victory over Everton last week.
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