Breaking: Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended after allegedly testing positive to banned substance

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has received a provisional suspension from playing football after allegedly testing positive for a banned substance. The forward is set to face a lengthy ban from the game, similar to the four-year ban issued to Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in 2023.

Ukraine international Mudryk has been missing for the Blues for each of their last five games, with coach Enzo Maresca citing illness as the reason behind his absence. The 23-year-old last featured for the club in late November when they faced Bundesliga side Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League.

Mudryk has allegedly seen a urine sample test positive for Meldonium, a substance added to the prohibited list in 2016, according to reports in Ukraine. The pacey winger will wait for a second sample to be returned before his fate is determined by the Football Association.

In the meantime, he will not feature for the Blues as they continue their season with a game against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa Conference League.

Mykhailo Mudryk's representatives believe the contamination may have taken place back home in Ukraine, seeing as Meldonium is unavailable in the United Kingdom.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man has struggled for consistency since his arrival at Stamford Bridge for a reported £62 million in 2023 and is contracted to the club until 2031.

With three goals and three assists in six Conference League appearances this season, the forward managed to find some consistency in the competition.

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk releases statement following provisional suspension

Mykhailo Mudryk has released a statement on Instagram after his provisional suspension from football was confirmed. The Chelsea man is facing a lengthy ban pending the conclusion of investigations on his alleged doping in the coming weeks.

The Ukraine international pled his innocence in his post, promising to cooperate with investigations on his case. He also remained hopeful that he would return to action for Chelsea in a short while as he believes himself to be innocent. The statement read:

“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.”

Mudryk's absence will be a blow to Chelsea's squad depth this season, seeing as he was behind Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto on the left wing. His unavailability may open the door for youngster Tyrique George to step up in the meantime.