Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk ‘in Complete Shock’ After Positive Test for Banned Substance

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has expressed his disbelief after testing positive for a banned substance. The club confirmed on Tuesday that they had been contacted by the Football Association following an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” provided by the Ukraine international.

Mudryk, who denies ever knowingly using a banned substance, is working closely with his team to investigate the cause of the failed test. In a statement on Instagram, the 23-year-old said, “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened. I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.”

Under FA guidelines, players can be provisionally suspended from football following a positive drugs test. However, the FA has refused to confirm whether Mudryk is currently provisionally suspended or when the test took place. According to FIFA guidelines, players found to have intentionally taken a banned substance can face a ban of up to four years.

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89m in 2023, has not played for the club since November 28 and has missed the past five matches in all competitions. Despite being included in the matchday squad for Chelsea’s win against Aston Villa on December 1, he did not feature in the game. Head coach Enzo Maresca had previously stated that Mudryk’s absence was due to illness.

Since his high-profile move to Chelsea, Mudryk has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for the club. The positive test result has come as a shock to both the player and the club, who are now working together to establish the cause of the failed test and determine the next steps.

As the investigation continues, Chelsea fans and the wider football community will be closely following developments in the case. The potential implications for Mudryk’s career and Chelsea’s season remain uncertain, with the player expressing his hope to return to the pitch as soon as possible while maintaining his innocence.