Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk is reportedly facing a lengthy ban after failing a drugs test, which could have significant repercussions for the winger.
Mudryk’s representatives have not commented on a report from his native Ukraine, which claims that an ‘A’ sample taken in October tested positive for doping.
The 23-year-old is still awaiting the result of his ‘B’ sample, which will determine if it confirms the findings of the initial test.
Chelsea have yet to respond to the report, according to Telegraph Sport.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea almost two years ago in a deal worth an initial £62 million, could face a lengthy suspension if the Ukrainian report is confirmed.
A similar case saw Paul Pogba receive a four-year ban for doping, which was later reduced to 18 months before he terminated his contract with Juventus.
Mudryk, who still has seven years remaining on his Chelsea contract (which was extended by 12 months earlier this year), last started for the club in late November, scoring in the Europa Conference League victory over Heidenheim.
He was then an unused substitute against Aston Villa on December 1, and has not been included in a matchday squad since.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca stated that Mudryk has been absent since the Villa game due to illness.
The winger has been working with personal trainer Dmytro Chapovskyi, who has also been seen with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.
Having joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023, Mykhailo Mudryk has struggled to adapt to Premier League life and is yet to fulfill his potential.
The £62million signing has scored just five goals in 26 Premier League starts and has since fallen behind Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and Jadon Sancho in the Chelsea pecking order.
As part of his £62million move, Chelsea agreed to a series of bonuses that could push Mudryk’s total fee above £80 million.
The Football Association has not yet commented on the reported positive ‘A’ sample.
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