Atalanta star banned as Serie A giants receive drug probe ahead of Newcastle United clash

Newcastle United’s next summer opponents have been hit by a drug probe ahead of their trip to St James’ Park.

The Magpies take on the Serie A giants on Friday night as part of a double-header to finish their summer schedule.

But ahead of the clash, Atalanta’s stars have been asked to take part in drug screening, with screenings common place in the current game.

The screenings check players have not taken any substances that would aid their game, while also checking for the presence of illegal substances in general.

And defender Jose Luis Palomino is said to have failed the latest test due to the presence of Clostebo - a steroid banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The Bergamo side said said in a statement: “Atalanta BC announces that today the National Anti-Doping Court notified the precautionary suspension of the athlete Jose Luis Palomino.

“Pending assessment of the following procedural steps, the Club announces that the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office report concerns the substance ‘Clostebol Metabolite’.”

Palomino will now be expected to explain himself as part of a trial process, and if found guilty, he could be handed a four-year ban.

That could bring his career to an end, already 32 years of age, while if the drug is deemed to be taken accidentally as part of another substance, he could get a two-year suspension.

Interestingly, Clostebol Matabolite is found in more anti-doping screenings in Italy than anywhere else in Europe.

Of course, we don’t know the reasons why it has been found present in Palomino’s tests, but more often than not, the presence is due to non-conscious intake.

A study has found it is usually due to Trofodermin, which is a steroid cream containing Clostebol used to treat skin conditions. The medication is commonly used in Italy.

In any case, Palomino will miss the Newcastle clash as a result of his suspension.