Chelsea’s high-profile winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been sidelined following a provisional suspension triggered by a positive drug test.

The Ukrainian star, who joined the club in a much-celebrated £89 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, now faces an uncertain future as investigations unfold.

Mudryk, 23, has been absent from the squad since November 28, when he played a full 90 minutes and scored in a Conference League match against Heidenheim.

While Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca initially cited illness as the cause of his absence, reports have emerged linking Mudryk’s sidelining to an “adverse analytical finding” in a routine drug test.

If found guilty of doping violations, the player could face a ban of up to four years under FA regulations.

Chelsea has launched an internal investigation into the matter, and Mudryk is awaiting the results of a confirmatory ‘B’ sample.

The substance in question is believed to be meldonium, a drug used to treat heart conditions, which can also enhance endurance and recovery.

Although banned in competitive sports, meldonium gained notoriety in 2016 when tennis star Maria Sharapova tested positive for it. Notably, the drug is not available in the UK, leading Mudryk’s camp to suspect contamination occurred abroad.

Mudryk, who tested clean in August, has publicly denied knowingly using banned substances. On Instagram, he expressed his shock, saying, “I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful I will be back on the pitch soon.”

The player is cooperating fully with authorities and Chelsea, which issued a statement reaffirming support for Mudryk while upholding the integrity of the FA’s testing program.

Mudryk’s suspension bars him from all football-related activities, adding to a challenging season where he has started only one Premier League match.

Despite limited league appearances, he has made an impact in the Conference League, scoring three goals in four matches. His absence comes as a blow to Chelsea, who invested heavily in the player amid stiff competition from rivals like Arsenal.

This development adds another layer of complexity to Mudryk’s Stamford Bridge journey. Once considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, his eight-year contract with Chelsea is now shadowed by this unfolding controversy.

For now, Mudryk, Chelsea, and football fans worldwide await clarity as the investigation progresses.

You May Also Like: Undercard Drama: Usyk vs. Fury 2 Hit by Bout Cancellations