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Liverpool handed a major boost ahead of the new season as cult hero returns
On the same day that Jurgen Klopp’s new long-term deal was announced, there will be a major relief for the German boss as UEFA announced that Mamadou Sakho’s drug case has been dismissed, after it was decided that the fat burner which he did use should not be considered a doping drug at all putting an end to a 2 and a half month saga.
Whilst it is undoubtedly great news for the French centre back, it has come at a cost for him. The 26-year-old was advised to request a provisional suspension when the investigation was announced, with his advisors believing that it would aid his case if he was found guilty of doping.
However, this cost him to miss not only the Europa League final, but also Euro 2016 in his home country. It is far from surprising that there are rumours that the defender is considering claiming compensation from UEFA for what he has missed, according to .
Sakho was almost certain to have been called up for the tournament by Didier Deschamps, and with his country now in the final against Portugal, it could prove to be a real missed opportunity for the man with 28 caps, who has been a genuine leader for the finalists in his time with the national team.
Whilst France have done okay in his absence, with Sevilla’s Adil Rami and Barcelona bound Samuel Umtiti stepping up to the plate with superb performances, Liverpool did not fare so well without him.
In the eight games without Sakho towards the end of last season, there were just two clean sheets, against Watford and Villarreal. The likes of Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and even Lucas Leiva took Sakho’s place temporarily alongside Dejan Lovren at the heart of the back line, but with Toure already released, and , it is clear that Sakho is one of Klopp’s preferred choices.
Even with new addition Joel Matip signing on a free, Sakho will be one of Klopp’s favoured options at the back and will be frustrated to have missed out on the early stages of competition with his new arrival.
Defence has long been an area of concern for Liverpool, with even Brendan Rodger’s successful 2013/14 season suffering in this area. With Klopp bringing in Matip and goalkeeper Loris Karius, and rumours circling that Leicester’s young left back , Sakho avoiding a suspension will allow Klopp to continue to build around the Frenchman and his leadership skills, rather than have to look for a probably expensive replacement.
Sakho can now return to join in with the Merseyside club’s pre-season training without any concerns, having been forced to sit out tonight’s pre-season opener in a 1-0 win against Tranmere Rovers to avoid any potential punishment should he have been given a ban by Europe’s football governing body.
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