NEW DELHI: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his support for Mykhailo Mudryk following the revelation of an adverse finding in the player's urine sample.
The FA notified Chelsea about the finding, prompting the 23-year-old Ukrainian winger to respond via Instagram, stating the 'A' sample results were a "complete shock" whilst maintaining his innocence regarding intentional use of prohibited substances.
"We trust Misha," Maresca stated on Wednesday. "When this kind of thing happens you need to support your player in all aspects. Misha is a Chelsea player, it's my duty to be in contact with him. Me, the club, his team-mates, we are all there. Trust means we believe Misha."
The UK Anti-Doping website indicates that athletes face a four-year ban for intentional use of banned substances. However, for specified substances or contaminated products, where athletes can prove no significant fault, penalties may range from a reprimand to two years, based on fault level.
This season, Mudryk has participated in 15 matches for Chelsea, with his last appearance being a 2-0 victory against Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28, where he scored his third goal of the campaign. He has been absent from the previous five matches across all competitions.
"I think he's going to come back, the only thing is we don't know when," Maresca commented. He emphasised that support is crucial for any player facing such situations, regardless of age or nationality, stating the club, management and teammates are ready to assist Mudryk.
The Ukrainian joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for £88.5 million ($112 million).
Chelsea currently hold second position in the Premier League and lead their European Conference League group as they prepare to face Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.
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