Enzo Maresca has publicly expressed his support for Mykhailo Mudryk, asserting that Chelsea stands by the winger following his provisional suspension due to a failed drugs test. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 23-year-old’s future, Maresca emphasized that the club trusts Mudryk’s claims of innocence.
Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association after testing positive for meldonium. Is currently awaiting the results of a B sample, which could either confirm or refute the initial findings. The Ukraine international has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and Chelsea’s head coach has reiterated the club’s belief in his integrity.
“Misha is an important player for us, and we trust him,” Maresca said. “Trust means we believe Misha, and we’re fully behind him as he works to clear his name.”
If the authorities prove Mudryk’s guilt, they could impose a four-year ban on him. The former Shakhtar Donetsk player, who has struggled to find his best form since his £89 million move to Chelsea in January 2023, is receiving legal assistance from the same firm that represented Paul Pogba in his doping case. The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced Pogba’s initial four-year suspension to 18 months following his appeal.
Mudryk, who has missed Chelsea’s last five games, described the positive test as a shock. Maresca remains hopeful that the winger can return to action, regardless of the outcome of the B sample. “I believe he will come back,” said Maresca. “The only uncertainty is when that will happen.”
With Mudryk absent, Chelsea has a wealth of attacking options, and 18-year-old winger Tyrique George could receive more opportunities. However, Maresca hasn’t ruled out entering the transfer market in January if needed, particularly after the team’s upcoming fixtures against Everton, Fulham, and Ipswich.
“We will assess the situation after those three matches and decide if we need to make any moves,” Maresca added. “Tyrique will get minutes, and we’ll help him develop further.”
In other Chelsea news, Maresca also confirmed that 18-year-old right-back Josh Acheampong has extended his contract with the club until 2029. Maresca was impressed by Acheampong during pre-season, and he now sees him as a key player for the future.
“Josh has been fantastic since pre-season,” said Maresca. “We’re all excited to have him on board for the long term, and we believe he can be a great player for Chelsea.”
