Chelsea have experienced a fantastic resurgence under Enzo Maresca this season. They are currently sitting second in the Premier League, just two points behind league leaders Liverpool. However, their campaign has suffered an unfortunate setback due to a doping scandal involving Mykhailo Mudryk.

According to reports from The Athletic, the Ukrainian winger has tested positive for meldonium. This medication is primarily used to treat heart conditions, but it is also known to aid in athlete recovery, such as from jet lag.

Chelsea’s Official Statement

Chelsea released a statement shortly after this news got leaked into the press. According to the statement, “Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.

“Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing program, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”

Chelsea manager Maresca has yet to comment on the matter. However, the former Leicester City boss is likely to be questioned about it in the pre-match press conference of the Europa Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers.

Mykhailo Mudryk’s Career So Far At Chelsea

As mentioned earlier, Chelsea are flying this season with five Premier League wins in five games. Moreover, they remain competitive in all their respective competitions, including the Europa Conference League, which they are participating in for the first time. However, Mudryk has had little to celebrate.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk player has made 73 appearances across all competitions since his winter move to Chelsea in 2023. However, he has only managed to score ten goals in his career. Furthermore, he has yet to contribute a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season. All three of his goals have come in the Europa Conference League, suggesting that Maresca sees him as part of the second-choice squad rather than the Premier League starting lineup.

What Happens To Mykhailo Mudryk Now?

Meldonium has a significant history in football and among athletes worldwide. One of the most prominent cases involved tennis star Maria Sharapova, who tested positive for meldonium and faced a lengthy suspension. Although she was able to return to the courts, her form declined significantly before she retired in 2020.

It remains to be seen what will happen to Mudryk once he returns to the football pitch. For now, The Times reports that Mudryk is suspended after his positive test for a banned substance. The Chelsea winger will now await the results of the ‘B’ sample and is cooperating fully with all relevant parties. If he can clear his name, Mudryk is expected to defend himself in court.

Chelsea’s court cases are not the only ones trending in the Premier League. On the other hand, Manchester City is battling its 115 FFP (Financial Fairplay) charges, and its verdict will also soon be reached.

End Of Rant

Chelsea is having a fantastic season as they are competing across all fronts. However, considering they are in all four competitions for now, they would need the depth, and Mudhryk’s suspension will be a setback, regardless of his form. However, the bail is now in the court of the sports authorities to decide the Ukrainian’s fate. For more fearless sports coverage, visit Stadium Rant.

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