Chelsea is facing a significant setback this season, despite their recent on-pitch successes. The club has announced that one of its players tested positive for a banned substance in a routine doping test.

"The Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the English Football Association (FA) has contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk following an adverse finding in a routine urine test. Both the club and Mykhailo fully support the FA's testing program, and all our players are regularly tested. Mykhailo has categorically stated that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. The club and Mykhailo will work closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of this result," Chelsea stated.

Mudryk in shock

The Ukrainian winger's positive result, detected in August, has yet to be confirmed by a secondary "B sample" test. Mudryk expressed his disbelief, stating: 

"This has been a complete shock to me as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or violated any rules. My team and I are investigating how this might have occurred. I know I have done nothing wrong and hope to return to playing soon. Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot comment further for now, but I will as soon as I can."

Chelsea signed Mudryk in the summer of 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of €70 million. The player, contracted with the club until June 2031, has not featured in a match since November 28 and was last named in a squad on December 1.

This situation echoes a recent high-profile doping case involving Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who initially faced a four-year ban that was later reduced to 18 months.