Enzo Maresca has not communicated with Mykhailo Mudryk since it was confirmed that the Chelsea winger has been charged with doping breaches. Mudryk has been provisionally suspended since December after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. The FA announced on Wednesday that the Ukraine international has been charged, putting him at risk of a lengthy ban from football. Mudryk has strongly denied any intentional use of banned substances.
The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £89 million deal in January 2023, was last seen joining his teammates in Poland following the club’s Europa Conference League victory over Real Betis. Since then, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star has had his no. 10 shirt taken away and given to Cole Palmer, and Wednesday’s ruling has raised further questions about his future.
Mudryk, affectionately referred to as ‘Mischa’ by his manager and teammates, has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031. When asked for an update on the winger’s situation ahead of the Club World Cup clash against Flamengo, Maresca stated: “I spoke with Mischa in Poland when we played the Conference League final. I haven’t spoken with him since then. I didn’t see the news but they communicated it to me; there is nothing more I can add because I don’t have more information. Mischa is a Chelsea player. Until he is not, I will trust. It’s not just about Mischa. It’s in general with all the players.”
He also mentioned, “The last time I spoke to him he was quite good; I didn’t see him worried. I haven’t spoken to him since then, so I don’t know, but for sure we will have contact with him.”
Maresca confirmed that Chelsea plans to sign another winger this summer regardless of Mudryk’s status, as they opted against making Jadon Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United permanent. The Blues have already seen offers for Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens rejected, with Maresca believing that strengthening this position is crucial. “We had already one entire season without Mischa. We are going to decide to go for a winger,” he said.
“In both cases, we have Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as proper wingers, then we try to adapt with Tyrique George. It’s a position we need to improve.” Meanwhile, Madueke has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Newcastle United and Arsenal showing interest in the England international. “Noni is our player. At this moment, you can read a lot of speculation about players. We consider Noni as our player for the next season.”
