Enzo Maresca’s revolution at Chelsea faces a potential backward step as reports reveal that one of his players has failed a drug test, risking a ban of up to four years.
With the busy festive fixture period approaching, where the Blues have a chance to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, the shocking news of Mykhailo Mudryk testing positive for a banned substance comes as a major blow.
If the B-sample also confirms the presence of the banned substance, Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years. Reports suggest that he has already been provisionally suspended by the Football Association. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who was already concerned about the form of another player, now faces additional challenges with this latest development.
“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance,” Mudryk wrote on Instagram.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules and I 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. I cannot say anything anymore due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
Chelsea have confirmed the Football Association contacted Mykhailo Mudryk over an "adverse finding in a routine urine test". pic.twitter.com/03qjuTL7H5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 17, 2024
While Mudryk has not been a consistent starter in the Premier League under Maresca, logging just 146 minutes according to Transfermarkt, he has played a crucial role in Chelsea’s Conference League campaign.
This development is undoubtedly a significant setback for everyone involved, leaving them with no option but to await the outcome of the next steps in the process. If Mudryk is found guilty, a lengthy suspension is highly likely, and even if an appeal leads to a reduced sanction, it wouldn’t be surprising if this incident marks the end of his time at Chelsea.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.