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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended following a positive drugs test, as confirmed by the Football Association (FA). The 23-year-old has not featured for Chelsea since their Europa Conference League match on November 28, with manager Enzo Maresca attributing his absence to illness.
However, it has now emerged that Mudryk's unavailability stems from a suspected adverse analytical finding. Under FA regulations, players notified of such findings can be provisionally suspended while awaiting further investigations and the results of a 'B' sample.
Mudryk and Chelsea have responded to the situation, with the club releasing a statement affirming their support for the FA's testing protocols. "Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances," the club stated, adding that they will work closely with the authorities to determine the cause of the result.
Mudryk broke his silence on social media, expressing his shock at the findings. "This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances," he wrote, insisting he has not violated any rules. The Ukrainian winger emphasized that he is cooperating fully and remains hopeful for a swift return.
Reports suggest Chelsea's investigation centers around a contaminated supplement, with speculation that the substance involved is not available in the UK. Mudryk, who tested clean in August, maintains he has not changed his habits since.
While Mudryk has not yet been charged with a doping offence, he has missed Chelsea's last five matches and has not been seen training at Cobham. Before his absence, he had started just one Premier League game this season but featured regularly in the Europa Conference League, scoring in his final appearance against Heidenheim in a 2-0 victory.
Mudryk's absence had previously been attributed to illness by Maresca, who reiterated this in press briefings leading up to Chelsea's recent fixtures.
The winger, who joined Chelsea with high expectations, is now awaiting the results of his 'B' sample to confirm or challenge the findings. Both Mudryk and Chelsea remain hopeful for a resolution, as the player continues to cooperate with the investigation.
