Hull City midfielder Oscar Zambrano has been suspended over a breach of anti-doping rules.
The 20-year-old joined the Championship club on a season-long loan from Ecuadorian first-division side LDU Quito in August.
He has made eight appearances in England, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Hull were aware of the case before signing him with owner Acun Ilicali admitting it was a “risk” but one worth taking.
Zambrano had previously maintained his innocence and Hull say he intends to appeal against the suspension.
A statement from the club on Tuesday read: “Hull City can confirm that, with immediate effect, CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, has suspended Oscar Zambrano for breaching the anti-doping rules set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the CONMEBOL Anti-Doping Regulations.
“Zambrano and his defence will use their right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The club is not in a position to provide further information at this time.”
A statement from his parent club added: “Liga Deportiva Universitaria will continue to provide all its support to the player in this case, confident that it will be resolved in the best possible way.”
After featuring for several of his nation’s youth sides, he received his first call-up to the senior Ecuador side in October but did not make an appearance.
Hull, who are 15th in the Championship having only won three of their 13 league games this campaign, are next in action against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday.
(George Wood/Getty Images)
