Atalanta defender Jose Luis Palomino has requested a counter-analysis of the positive doping test and is confident his innocence will be proven.
The centre-back failed a surprise pre-season doping test performed at the Atalanta training camp, which found traces of Clostebol Metabolites, which can point to the presence of an anabolic steroid.
As per the rules, he has been suspended pending an investigation, so is not part of the squad travelling for tomorrow’s friendly against Newcastle United.
Atalanta released a statement this evening confirming that Palomino has requested a counter-analysis of the original test and the analytic documentation so that it can be studied for irregularities.
“Considering the delicacy of the situation, in agreement with the player and his lawyers, we urge everyone to respect the privacy of the Palomino family who are particularly distraught by a situation that is profoundly hurting not just on the professional level, but also the human one.
“We remain convinced that the player’s innocence can be proven.”
Palomino is 32 years old and has received call-ups to the Argentina squad, albeit without gaining an official cap.
His contract with Atalanta runs to June 2023 and he had been linked with a possible transfer away from Bergamo this summer.
He joined the club in 2017 from PFK Ludogorets Razgrad.