Xavier statement expected

Abel Xavier is set to tell his side of the story this morning after it emerged he failed a drugs test following last month’s UEFA Cup game in Xanthi.

The Middlesbrough defender could answer the pertinent question, which went unanswered yesterday, by revealing the substance for which he has tested positive.

Boro revealed last night that the 32-year-old Portugal international is due to issue a statement.

In the meantime, FIFA have suspended Xavier with immediate effect, pending what Boro described as “the outcome of a disciplinary investigation”.

Xavier may choose to reveal further details of the position in which he finds himself, and it is one that could threaten his career if he stands accused of using a performance-enhancing product – and if the B sample shows a similar result.

Middlesbrough confirmed Xavier produced a urine sample that returned a positive result after the September 29 second leg of Boro’s first-round UEFA Cup match against their Greek opponents.