Matuidi hoping for Sakho resolution

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi is hopeful that Mamadou Sakho can still play at the upcoming European Championship following his failed drugs test.

The Liverpool centre-back may miss the tournament after he tested positive for a banned substance after his club’s Europa League fixture against Manchester United last month.

UEFA confirmed an investigation on Saturday morning, just hours before Sakho was due to play against Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old has not been suspended, but Liverpool have said he will not play for the first team until the matter is resolved, with the club expected to ask for the testing of a B sample.

Although he still may feature, his possible absence would be a blow to Liverpool’s Europa League ambitions and also France’s Euro 2016 campaign on home soil.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over Lille in the Coupe de la Ligue final, Matuidi admitted it would be disappointing to see Sakho miss out this summer.

He said: “I don’t really know the full story, but it’s true if Sakho wouldn’t be selected for the Euros, I would be very sad.

“I consider him as a brother and I’ll always support him. I know he is very professional, very honest, he’s a warrior and I hope everything will go well.”

France have been drawn against Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A and Les Bleus are 4.00 to win Euro 2016.