CAGLIARI attacking midfielder Joao Pedro has failed a drugs test, as he tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide.
Italy’s anti-doping agency NADO confirmed findings with statement on official website, and the Brazilian has since been provisionally suspended by the Sardinian side.
Pedro’s negative result was realise following the goalless draw with Sassuolo on February 11.
NADO’s official statement read: “The first section of the TNA (national anti-doping court), in accepting the petition proposed by the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office, has proceeded to suspend Joao Pedro Gerardino Dos Santos Galvao, who was found positive for the substance hydrochlorothiazide following a check made by NADO Italia at the end of the Serie A match between Cagliari and Sassuolo on February 11, 2018.”
Pedro has scored five times in 19 starts for Cagliari this season.
And his absence will be a bitter blow to manager Diego Lopez, as he was relying on the Brazilian to help his side avoid relegation.
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Amazingly, he isn’t the first Serie A player to fail a drugs test this season.
Benevento captain Fabio Lucioni tested positive for banned anabolic steroid clostebol.
Meanwhile, Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij has been called to explain the results of his most recent drugs test.
However, the Dutch ace’s situation is merely a administrative measurement.
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