Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced the club’s confidence that Mykhailo Mudryk did not knowingly consume a banned substance after the Ukrainian international failed a drugs test.
The 23-year-old winger has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) following an “adverse finding” in a routine urine test. During his suspension, Mudryk is prohibited from playing or training with the team. He has strongly denied any intentional use of a prohibited substance.
Maresca expressed optimism that Mudryk would soon be exonerated. “We support Mykhailo, and trust means that we believe him,” Maresca said. “The club, the coaching staff, and everyone inside the training ground support and trust Mykhailo. I think he will come back, but we don’t know when. For sure, he will return.”
The manager confirmed he has spoken to Mudryk since the suspension was announced. The Professional Footballers’ Association is also expected to reach out to the player to offer support.
“Any player in this situation needs support—you would need it, and I would need it,” Maresca added. “It’s not about his age or the country he’s from.”
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a deal worth up to £89 million. Since then, he has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances.
The winger has missed Chelsea’s last five matches across all competitions, with Maresca previously attributing his absence to illness.
Under FIFA regulations, players found guilty of intentionally using banned substances can face suspensions of up to four years.
