Paul Pogba has not given up hope of a return to the pitch insists agent Rafaela Pimenta… as the Juventus midfielder faces a ban of up to FOUR YEARS after failed doping test

Paul Pogba is remaining ‘optimistic’ despite waiting to find out if he will be punished after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

The France and Juventus midfielder is facing a ban of up to four years after testing positive following his club’s Serie A fixture against Udinese on August 20, a game in which he did not play. 

The substance found in the 30-year-old’s system was DHEA, which can naturally boost levels of testosterone.

Pogba was provisionally suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal and could face a sporting trial which would determine any potential punishment. 

Reports though have suggested that Juventus could cancel Pogba’s £130,000-a-week contract if he is banned, bringing a definitive early conclusion to what has been a disappointing second spell with the club. 

His agent Rafaela Pimenta has insisted that the Frenchman remains optimistic despite the potential ban

Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta told Sky Sports the the French World Cup winner has not given up hope of a return to the pitch.

She said: ‘He’s optimistic and he’s a hard worker, he’s preparing and when it’s possible he’s ready.’

Pimenta previously stated after Pogba’s positive test that he never intended to break the rules.

Football Italia reported that Pogba could receive a four-year ban, if no plea deal is reached and if the judge believes that he ‘consciously consumed’ DHEA. It has been claimed the French star could be banned for two years if he ‘admits responsibility’. 

After he was banned by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal on an initial precautionary basis, he was given three days to request his B sample – which produced the same result.  

At present, Pogba is unable to train with the Juventus squad. He is instead working on a personal programme  with his personal trainer, using the gym and the swimming pool. 

Pogba has struggled with a number of injuries after rejoining from Manchester United in July 2022.

He played only 10 matches last term and started just one game across all competitions.

Pogba has had a tough second spell at Juventus following his return from Manchester United

Adrien Rabiot (centre) says Pogba is ‘disheartened’ by the situation ‘weighing on him’

Pogba has featured twice for Juventus this season although both of his appearances have come off the bench.

His team-mate, Adrien Rabiot, told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he hopes Pogba gets the ‘lightest sanction possible’.

He said: ‘I don’t know what will happen to Pogba. We always talk. We met before I joined up the national team and we had dinner together. 

‘Paul is always smiling and outgoing. I think the situation is weighing on him. I hope he manages to get the lightest sanction possible. 

‘Paul is disheartened. He’s a great player, a great man. Dealing with everything he had to go through is very difficult for any person.’