Paul Pogba’s lawyers ‘will try to secure a two-year ban’ in his doping case, set to be heard in January, as potential four-year ban looms for Juventus star

Paul Pogba’s lawyers will reportedly try to reduce his potential four-year ban to two years during a hearing in January.

Italian prosecutors on Thursday reportedly pushed for former Manchester United midfielder Pogba to be banned for four years for failing a drugs test earlier this year.

Pogba, who joined Serie A giants Juventus after ending a six-year spell at United last summer, was provisionally suspended after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA following his side’s win over Udinese on August 20.

Pogba’s B sample also came back positive for a substance that naturally increases testosterone production.

He is now waiting to find out what sanctions will be imposed, but according to the Juventus correspondent, Romeo AgrestiProsecutors called for Pogba to be banned for four years, a mandatory ban under global anti-doping rules.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba faces a four-year ban after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA following his side’s win on August 20.

Massimiliano Allegri’s team may terminate the contract with the Frenchman at the club, given the disqualification

Now, according to Gazette dello SportThe Frenchman’s entourage will strive to fight the four-year charge and reduce it by half.

They say Pogba is expected to have a final hearing in early 2024, at which he could seek to negotiate a reduced sentence as part of a plea deal.

It is expected that during the hearing, which will take place in the second half of January, they will try to demonstrate the absence of intent to use a prohibited substance.

Juventus have already declared their innocence in this matter, suggesting that the offender was hired without consulting club doctors.

The ongoing investigation has left the old lady wondering about the player’s future at the club, given that he will be 34 by the time his potential four-year ban ends.

The publication also claims that the decision will not be made by Juventus until the judge pronounces the verdict and will depend on the extent of the disqualification.

If he receives a lengthy ban, the publication claims Juventus are prepared to sever ties with Pogba and in turn save around £25 million (€30 million).

The former Manchester United midfielder has made just 12 appearances since returning to Italy.

The midfielder has not trained with his teammates since September and his salary has also been cut significantly.

The publication claims that Juventus were allowed to reduce Pogba’s salary to just £1,700 a month (€2,000).

Since moving to Italy in 2022, Pogba has made just 12 appearances for Juventus and has failed to play a single 90-minute match for the Italian giants.

The deal currently runs until 2026.