Klopp responds to questions about Sakho failed drug test after Liverpool draw

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Published on:

23 Apr 2016, 12:56 pm

By Coral Barry

Jurgen Klopp has remained tight-lipped on the controversy surrounding Mamadou Sakho after the defender tested positive for a banned substance.

The club confirmed just before the Newcastle game on Saturday that the Frenchman is under investigation by UEFA after he failed a routine drug test.

Sakho has not been banned from playing by either his club or UEFA, but the decision has been made by Liverpool and the player that he will not play until the matter is resolved.

Sakho's place in the team was taken by Kolo Toure as Liverpool let a two-goal lead slip at Anfield to draw 2-2 against Newcastle.

Klopp admitted after the game that he was informed of Sakho's situation on Friday, but refused to answer any other questions regarding the defender.

Sakho has become one of the most important cogs in Klopp's Liverpool machine in recent months with eye catching performances over the two legs against Borussia Dortmund that included scoring the third goal in the second leg on the way to a famous4 -3 victory over the Germans.

The defender has also struck up an increasingly solid partnership with fellow centre-back Dejan Lovren and was sorely missed on Saturday as Liverpool failed to take three points against relegation-battlers Newcastle.

With Sakho watching glumly from the stands, Liverpool conceded two goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half after completely dominating the opening period.

Sakho is expected to miss the crucial first leg of the Europa League semi-final with Villarreal on Thursday night, but has insisted he was unware he was using an illegal drug.

In other Liverpool news, Reds fans have reacted to Simon Mignolet's performance against Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool FC

Newcastle United

Mamadou Sakho