Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk could be facing a lengthy ban from football after reportedly failing a drugs test in late October. The 23-year-old Ukrainian, who joined Chelsea for £62 million in January 2023, has been absent from the team’s lineup since scoring in a Conference League win against Heidenheim on November 28.
According to Ukrainian outlets UA Football and Tribuna, Mudryk tested positive for a banned substance in his ‘A-sample’ test, and the results of the follow-up ‘B-sample’ are expected to confirm the findings. The specific substance he allegedly tested positive for has not been disclosed. If the second test returns positive, the winger could face a suspension of up to four years, underlining the serious consequences of the violation.
Mudryk’s absence from Chelsea’s recent matches, including the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on December 1, had been attributed to illness by the club. However, these reports now suggest that the real reason behind his absence may be related to the ongoing investigation into his failed drug test.
The situation brings to mind previous high-profile cases involving Chelsea, such as Romanian striker Adrian Mutu, who was banned for seven months after testing positive for cocaine in 2004. Similarly, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba faced an 18-month suspension in 2023 after failing a test for a performance-enhancing drug.
Mudryk, who has struggled to consistently find his form at Stamford Bridge, has shown flashes of brilliance in European competitions this season, scoring three goals in 15 appearances. He remains a regular feature in Ukraine’s national team, contributing to his country’s successful campaign in 2024.
As Chelsea and Mudryk await the final outcome of the B-sample test, the football community will be watching closely, as this incident could mark a significant turning point in the young player’s career.