Costa Rica international Andy Furtado has tested positive for using a banned painkiller and will miss his country's Gold Cup campaign next month.

The striker was on loan at Herediano in his homeland from Honduran club Marathon when he was tested.

"Furtado took betamethasone. FIFA banned this drug because it gives some advantage to the users, as it is useful to heal allergies and has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and pain-controller effects," said Herediano club doctor Esteban Campos.

"I did not give him this substance as Furtado did not belong to the club and after the match returned to Honduras," he added.

Costa Rican football federation general secretary Joseph Ramirez said: "We have been notified about this and now we have to follow FIFA's proceedings, so the first step was to withdraw him from the national side.

"He will not take part in the Gold Cup."

If Furtado's B sample also comes back positive, he could be set for a lengthy ban which might mean he misses the Ticos' remaining World Cup qualifiers and even the finals in South Africa should they qualify.