After learning that Mykhailo Mudryk had returned a potential positive analytical finding in a drug test, Chelsea issued a statement.
It was revealed Tuesday morning that the 23-year-old had been unavailable because of a possible negative result.
According to The Mail, the Football Association (FA) “notified of a positive drugs test” and “provisionally suspended” the player from football.
Since his previous appearance in a Europa Conference League game away at Heidenheim on November 28, the Ukrainian has missed the Blues’ last five games.
According to the Mail story, “FA rules state that a player notified of a test result can then be provisionally suspended.”
“They then have the chance to respond with an explanation before a decision is made on a potential charge.”
Enzo Maresca previously clarified that Mudryk’s recent absence was due to his being “ill.”
Maresca stated prior to Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Spurs on December 6: “Misha Mudryk is the other one [to miss out] who is still ill, and the rest are okay.”
Shortly after the news surfaced, the footballer shared a statement on Instagram.
“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance,” he posted to Instagram.
“I have never intentionally taken any prohibited substances or violated any regulations, so this has completely shocked me. My staff and I are working hard to find out how this could have happened.
“I am confident that I have done nothing wrong and that I will soon return to the field. Because of the process’s secrecy, I am unable to comment at this time, but I will as soon as I am able.”
In a statement released on their website Tuesday morning, Chelsea Football Club also offered their thoughts on the situation.
“The Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk due to an adverse finding in a routine urine test,” the statement stated.
Mykhailo is one of all our players who undergoes routine testing, and the Club and Mykhailo both fully endorse the FA’s testing policy.
“Mykhailo has unequivocally said that he has never intentionally taken any illegal substances. Mykhailo and the Club will now collaborate with the appropriate authorities to determine the reason behind the unfavorable conclusion.
