What one Mykhailo Mudryk teammate said about him after training with him

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Mykhailo Mudryk Faces Setback Amidst Positive Drug Test Concerns

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has found himself in the headlines for unfortunate reasons, with the Ukrainian revealing via Instagram that a drug sample provided this season indicated a positive test for a banned substance.

The club has since released an official statement confirming that both Mudryk and Chelsea are cooperating with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. The 23-year-old has been notably absent from Chelsea’s last five games, including a Conference League fixture—a competition where Mudryk had previously shone this season.

Illness and Absence from the Squad

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had attributed Mudryk’s absence to illness, explaining that the winger was unable to train or make an impact on the pitch in recent weeks. The manager’s faith in other wide options, such as Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and Jadon Sancho, has been rewarded with strong performances, leaving Mudryk further sidelined.

Pressure and Training Challenges

Mudryk’s struggles since his high-profile move to Stamford Bridge have been no secret. The Ukrainian international, signed for a significant fee, has often been seen working alone on his finishing during training sessions to improve his output.

An unnamed teammate told Mail Plus that Mudryk has felt the weight of his transfer fee and the criticism that followed his inconsistent performances.

“He felt the pressure of the transfer, 100 per cent. He was a good trainer, he’d always do extras in the gym. But the criticism, especially from fans, was hard to take for him.”

Maresca’s Frustration Evident

It has been evident this season that Maresca has shown moments of frustration with Mudryk, particularly on the touchline. The manager has been seen shouting instructions during games, seemingly exasperated by the winger’s struggles to adapt to his tactical demands.

In Mudryk’s absence, young academy talent Tyrique George has seized his opportunities, earning two Conference League starts and impressing in both matches.

The Road Ahead for Mudryk

As the investigation into the positive drug test continues, it remains unclear when Mudryk will return to the pitch. For now, Chelsea fans and the coaching staff will hope that the matter can be resolved swiftly and Mudryk can rediscover the form and confidence that led to his big-money move to Stamford Bridge.

With competition for wide positions intensifying, Mudryk will need to overcome both his off-field struggles and on-field inconsistencies to prove his worth to Enzo Maresca and Chelsea supporters.