Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended following a positive doping test, just days before the club’s weekend clash against Everton.
The Football Association contacted the Ukrainian international after an adverse result was found in a urine sample he provided.
In a statement, Chelsea confirmed the news, saying, “Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.
Mykhailo has categorically stated that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. The club and Mykhailo will now collaborate with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the adverse finding. We will not be making any further comments at this time.”
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in an £89m deal in January 2023, also released a personal statement on social media.
He said, “I can confirm that I have been informed that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. This news is a complete shock to me as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or violated any rules.
I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened. I am confident I have done nothing wrong and hope to return to the pitch soon. Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot say more at this time but will provide updates when possible.”
Mudryk last played for Chelsea on November 28, scoring in a 2-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Heidenheim. Since then, Chelsea have maintained a strong form in the Premier League, narrowing the gap on leaders Liverpool to just two points under the management of Enzo Maresca.
