Chelsea announced on Tuesday, December 18, that they had been informed by the English Football Association about an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” conducted on Mykhailo Mudryk.
“Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing program, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested,” a statement from the club reads.
“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.”
Mykhailo Mudryk has firmly denied any knowledge of using a banned substance, and Chelsea are committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding the test.
In a statement on his Instagram page, Mudryk wrote, “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.
“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.
“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
Details regarding the specific substance detected in Mudryk’s test remain unclear, and according to the BBC, it has not been confirmed whether he faces a provisional suspension from football, as suggested in some reports.
The 23-year-old has not played for Chelsea since November 28 and has missed their last five matches in all competitions.
Although he was included in the squad for the team’s victory against Aston Villa on December 1, he did not take to the field. Head coach Enzo Maresca indicated that Mudryk’s absence was due to illness.
Recall that Mudryk joined Chelsea from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal valued at up to £89 million in 2023 and has made 73 appearances, scoring 10 goals for the club.