‘Chelsea make Mykhailo Mudryk decision’ – Latest ban update
Chelsea have made a decision over Mykhailo Mudryk amid his current absence after failing a drugs test, as per a report from The Athletic.
It emerged in December that a test taken by Mudryk returned a positive result for a banned substance.
There have been suggestions that the Chelsea star could face a significant ban as a result of that, and he has not played for Enzo Maresca’s side since the news emerged.
However, a fresh hint now appears to have been dropped over the Ukraine international’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea make Mykhailo Mudryk European squad decision
With the winter transfer now closed, clubs must submit their squad lists for the second half of the season in order to confirm any changes in personnel with limits on the number that can be included.
According to this update from The Athletic, Chelsea have kept Mudryk in their squad for the UEFA Conference League for the second half of this season.
It is also stated that the results are yet to be announced from the winger’s B-sample that was requested, after the banned substance – believed to be Meldonium – was found in his A-sample.
Mykhailo Mudryk may work out for Enzo Maresca this term
Football Insider Verdict
With the B-sample results yet to be revealed, it is still unclear what kind of punishment Mudryk might face.
If that sample comes back clean, then there may be a chance the winger will be able to return to action for Chelsea sooner rather than later.
Should that happen, it would be an opportunity missed for Maresca’s side not to have him available on the continent.
Mudryk impressed for Chelsea in the Europa Conference League prior to his ban, and there will be a desire to rotate the squad as they look to cope with a busy schedule.
Keeping the winger in the squad in case he becomes available therefore gives Maresca more scope to do that should he become available.
It also ensures the club are continuing to support the player until a final decision is reached, which also ought to help maintain morale in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge.