"I'm innocent" - Mkhailo Mudryk after allegedly failing doping test

Chelsea backs Mkhailo Mudryk amid doping allegations; manager Enzo Maresca expresses faith in the winger, who denies knowingly using banned substances

Chelsea's Mkhailo Mudryk has declared himself innocent after a test result returned positive to a banned substance. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said the club is fully behind embattled winger Mkhailo Mudryk, who is facing a lengthy ban for allegedly testing positive for a banned substance.

The Ukrainian said he's innocent and denies ever using a banned substance knowingly, but his sample, which was taken in October after an international game, returned positive from Test A, with Test B yet to take place but should in the coming days.

"All of us are upset and sad," Maresca said. "We are giving him general support.

"We have faith in Mykhailo; during such situations, it is crucial to provide comprehensive support to your player." As a member of my squad, it is my responsibility to stay in touch with him; we are all on the same team. The teammates, the club, and I are all there.

"Trust means we believe Myka; we support him. We aim to assist him in all his needs. It is normal that he requires assistance from the club at this moment, and we are here to provide it. Pressed on whether "trust" meant Chelsea feels Mudryk is innocent, Maresca nodded and replied, "We all believe [he is innocent]."

Should Mudryk be confirmed to be guilty of using a banned substance, the act could trigger a lengthy ban from football. FIFA's guidelines state that the maximum ban for an anti-doping violation is four years; that could be the beginning of the end for the winger.

"It is not the first time this has happened. It will happen again for different players; they know exactly what they have to do," Maresca added. "I think he is going to come back, but for sure we don't know when."

Mudryk was one of the most sought-after players in Europe when he joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a fee that could potentially rise to £88 million. Despite starting only 26 games at Chelsea, the Ukrainian has struggled to settle into his new life and could potentially face a transfer ban in January.