Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has announced the suspension of winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is currently under investigation following a positive result in a doping test.
Mudryk, a Ukrainian international, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he never knowingly used any prohibited substances. Speaking on the matter during a press conference, Maresca expressed full support for the player, saying, “We all believe Mudryk is innocent. I’m confident he will return to the team.”
While Maresca reaffirmed his belief in Mudryk’s future at the club, he admitted the timeline for his return remains uncertain. “We don’t know when that will happen, but I’m sure he’ll be back,” he added.
The winger has not featured for Chelsea since November 28, missing the last five matches. Though he was listed in the squad for the December 1 victory over Aston Villa, he did not play, with Maresca citing illness as the reason for his absence.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in a high-profile transfer worth up to £89 million in 2023, has so far made 73 appearances for the club and scored 10 goals. His future now hinges on the outcome of the investigation, with the club and fans hopeful for his eventual return to the pitch.