Disciplinary proceedings are not over, and there are still difficult questions for Sakho to answer given he took the pills without the consent of his club. Liverpool are making no comment on the latest developments and have left the player to make his own representations throughout.

Nevertheless, it is a more encouraging development for the player who seemed to be facing an inevitable lengthy ban if found guilty of an offence.

Sakho admitted he took pills to aid weight issues during the course of last season, but was prepared to argue he had no idea they contained any banned substances.

His ban ensured he missed both the semi-final and final of the Europa League having become a key figure in Jurgen Klopp’s defence since the German coach took charge of Anfield.

Should it be proven the pills did not contain a banned substance after all, he will be free to continue his Anfield career at the start of the season and Liverpool may have less need to add another centre-back to their summer spending plans.