Mykhailo Mudryk suspended after 'failing drugs test' and could face big ban

The Ukrainian's time in west London appears to have hit a new low as it emerged he has tested positive for a banned substance.

The reports first surfaced in his native Ukraine, reporting that an 'A' sample taken in October was found to be positive for doping.

It is understood that a 'B' sample has recently been taken, though the results of that test are yet to be released.

Mudryk is still waiting on the result of a 'B' sample and whether or not it confirms the findings of his 'A' sample.

Chelsea are yet to comment on the report, having been contacted by talkSPORT on Tuesday morning.

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It remains to be seen what substance Mudryk has reportedly tested positive for, and whether this was a UEFA or Premier League test.

In extreme circumstances, the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office can impose bans of up to four years.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was recently hit with a four-year ban for doping offences before it was reduced on appeal.

Mudryk hasn't featured for the Blues since the 2-0 Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim on November 28 due to illness.

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Commenting on Mudryk following Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, boss Enzo Maresca declared the player would not be available for Thursday's clash with Shamrock Rovers.

Unlike other players who he gave a reason for their absence, he simply stated that Mudryk was not in contention.

Giving an update on his squad, Maresca said: "We had Joao [Felix] and Romeo [Lavia] that probably can be available for the next one.

"Carney [Chukwuemeka] after Astana was ill, Chilly [Ben Chilwell] was ill. Pedro [Neto] was suspended and then we had Reece [James] and Wes [Fofana] injured.

"And unfortunately during the session yesterday, Benoit [Badiashile] felt something, and Misha [Mudryk] is out too."

The 23-year-old has featured in 15 games in all competitions this season - chipping in with three goals and five assists.

But he is yet to be directly involved in a Premier League goal this term from his seven outings.

Mudryk made the switch to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in an £88million deal after Chelsea pipped Arsenal to the Ukrainian's signature.

But he has so far failed to justify his hefty price tag - banging in just five top-flight goals from 53 matches.

More to follow...