Cagliari's Brazilian midfielder Joao
Pedro has been suspended after failing a doping test performed
following his side's Serie A match against Sassuolo on February
11, sources said Friday.
The 25-year-old tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a
diuretic medication which disguises doping drugs, the sources
said.
He also failed a drugs test after a match at Chievo on
February 17, the sources said.
He risks a two-year ban.
Joao Pedro is the second top-flight player to fail a dope
test this season, after Benevento captain Fabio Lucioni in
September.
Joao Pedro has so far this season scored five goals for
Cagliari, which is 15th in Serie A, four points above the drop
zone.
After a solid start his form dropped away and he became prone
to bad-tempered performances which culminated in him hitting
Fiorentina striker Federico Chiesa off the ball and getting a
four-match ban.
Friday was Joao Pedro's 26th birthday.
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