Chelsea attacker at risk of facing four-year ban after allegedly testing positive for banned substance: Reports

Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk could face a four-year ban after failing a doping test, according to The Mirror. The 23-year-old has registered three goals and five assists from 15 games across competitions for the Blues this season.

However, he hasn't featured for the London giants since the 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Conference League at the end of November. While it was suggested that the Ukrainian was ill, he may have missed the games after testing positive for a banned substance, as per the aforementioned report.

The report adds that a second sample has now been requested but the results are unclear. Should sample B test positive as well, Mudryk could face a lengthy ban from football.

The Ukrainian has been a disappointment since joining Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a reported £89m deal. The Blues saw off stiff competition from Arsenal for the player, but Mudryk has failed to live up to expectations.

He has registered 10 goals and nine assists from 73 games across competitions for Chelsea till date. With Enzo Maresca spoilt for choice in attack, Mudryk is no longer a regular starter at Stamford Bridge. The player is under contract with the Blues until 2031.

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When are Chelsea back in action?

Mykhailo Mudryk

Chelsea are back in action on Thursday, December 19, when they face Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League. The Blues are leading the league table in the European tournament after five games, with five wins so far.

The London giants have scored 21 goals and conceded just four in Europe so far. Their opponent this week, meanwhile, are sixth, with three wins to their name.

Enzo Maresca's team have also been quite impressive in the Premier League this season. The Italian manager took charge at Stamford Bridge this summer as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement.

After a slow start to the campaign, Chelsea have picked up pace and are a team on the rise right now. They have won 10 of their 16 games in the league this season, including all of their last five, and have lost just twice.

The Blues have scored the most goals in the league (37) and are two points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. The London giants are unbeaten across competitions since the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in the EFL Cup Round of 16 in October end.