I’m in “complete shock” after testing positive for banned substance – Chelsea winger

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has expressed being in “complete shock” after testing positive for a banned substance.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that they had been notified by the Football Association (FA) following an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” from the Ukraine international.

The forward, who has been provisionally suspended by the FA due to the positive result, denies any intentional use of a banned substance.

Chelsea stated they will collaborate with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the failed test.

“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened,” Mudryk wrote on Instagram.

“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.”

According to FA guidelines, players can be provisionally suspended from football after testing positive for drugs.

When contacted by BBC Sport, the FA declined to comment on Mudryk’s suspension or the timing of the failed test.

Under FIFA guidelines, players found to have intentionally taken a banned substance can face a ban of up to four years.

Mudryk last played for Chelsea on November 28 and has missed the last five matches in all competitions.

He was named in the matchday squad for Chelsea’s victory over Aston Villa on December 1 but did not play.

Head coach Enzo Maresca had previously stated that Mudryk’s absence was due to illness.

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89m in 2023, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for the club.

The Professional Footballers’ Association is expected to reach out to Mudryk to offer support.