Saido Berahino Reportedly Served Ban After Failed Drugs Test at West Brom

Saido Berahino reportedly served a suspension during his time at West Bromwich Albion, having tested positive for a recreational drug in September. 

According to Matt Lawton and Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the forward, who signed for Stoke City from the Baggies in January, had a three-month gap between appearances for West Brom's under-23 side. The report stated:

"He played a game against Stoke's under-23s on September 20 and did not represent West Brom's junior side again until December 12. Sportsmail believes Berahino claimed there were extenuating circumstances around the positive test, and Stoke were made aware of the situation prior to the 23-year-old completing his move to Stoke."

The Mail's report added that testing positive for recreational substances is "not regarded as a breach of the World Anti-Doping Agency code."

The Football Association, however, does suspend players for such offences, although English football's governing body grants those involved anonymity to assist with any rehabilitation efforts.

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Per Lawton and Mokbel, Berahino's former manager at the Hawthorns, Tony Pulis, had previously made reference to the 23-year-old being overweight and also called on the England youth international to "get his act together" following his move to the Potters.

In a statement on West Brom's website after his transfer, Berahino referenced what had been a tough time for him: "I want to thank the club for its support throughout what has been a period of turmoil for me. It may not have always seemed as if I have appreciated the efforts of everyone here to help me, but believe me I do."

Stoke boss Mark Hughes suggested he was aware of Berahino's suspension:

Sports commentator John Bradley believes the move to the Bet365 Stadium could be the key to the player getting his career on track:

When asked about Berahino, Pulis didn't pull any punches in his assessment of his ex-player.

"Personally, I don't give a damn now," he said, per BBC Sport. "I've spent two-and-a-half years at this club, and he's not my problem anymore. I wish him all the best."

Talent is undoubtedly there to harness. Berahino is a fine technician, possessing great versatility and an impressive strike. However, those attributes have not been seen frequently enough in recent seasons; he's made just 20 Premier League starts since the beginning of 2015-16, scoring a meagre four goals.

Berahino made his Stoke debut against Everton on Wednesday evening and had an effort cleared off the line with the score tied at 1-1. Next up for the Potters and their new No. 9 is a trip to the Hawthorns to play West Brom on Saturday.