Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk suspended after 'failing drug test' and could face long suspension

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a doping test, talkSPORT has learned.

The Ukrainian's time in west London appears to have hit a new low as it emerged he tested positive for a banned substance.

Reports first emerged in his native Ukraine, reporting that an 'A' sample taken in October tested positive for doping.

It is understood that a 'B' sample was recently taken, although the results of that test have not yet been published.

Mudryk is still waiting for the result of a “B” sample and whether or not it confirms the findings of his “A” sample.

Chelsea are yet to comment on the report, having been contacted by talkSPORT on Tuesday morning.

It remains to be seen what substance Mudryk tested positive for and whether it was a UEFA or Premier League test.

In extreme circumstances, the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office can impose bans of up to four years.

Former Manchester United midfielder Pablo Pogba He was recently handed a four-year suspension for doping offenses before being reduced on appeal.

Mudryk has not played for the Blues since the 2-0 Europa Conference League victory over Heidenheim on November 28 due to illness.

Commenting on Mudryk after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, boss Enzo Maresca declared that the player would not be available for Thursday's clash against Shamrock Rovers.

Unlike other players whose absence he justified, he limited himself to stating that Mudryk was not in the fight.

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Giving an update on his team, Maresca said: “We had Joao (Félix) and Romeo (Lavia) who can probably be available for the next one.

“Carney (Chukwuemeka) after Astana was sick, Chilly (Ben Chilwell) was sick. Pedro (Neto) was suspended and then we had Reece (James) and Wes (Fofana) injured.

“And unfortunately during yesterday's session, Benoit (Badiashile) felt something and Misha (Mudryk) is also out.”

The 23-year-old has featured in 15 games in all competitions this season, contributing three goals and five assists.

But he is yet to be directly involved in a Premier League goal this season in his seven appearances.

Mudryk moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk on a £88 million deal after Chelsea beat Arsenal to sign the Ukrainian.

But so far he has been unable to justify his high price: he has scored just five top-flight goals in 53 games.

More to follow…