Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since November Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he has yet to speak to Mykhailo Mudryk since the forward was charged with violating the Football Association's anti-doping rules but insists the player retains the club's support. Ukraine international Mudryk, 24, was provisionally suspended by the FA in December after an "adverse finding in a routine urine test" and now faces a potential four-year ban. Mudryk, who at the time of his suspension said he was in "complete shock" and had "never knowingly used any banned substances", last played for Chelsea in November but attended the Blues' Uefa Conference League final win in Poland last month in a private capacity. "Mischa is a Chelsea player and - as a Chelsea player - I trust all the Chelsea players," said Maresca. "I spoke with Mischa at the Conference League final in Poland but I haven't spoken to him since. "When I spoke to him he was quite good, I didn't see him worried or not good, he was good and okay but I haven't spoken to him since that day so I don't know how he is now." Chelsea signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £89m, and he is under contract at the club until June 2031. Mudryk, who cannot currently train with the club, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. Star attacker Cole Palmer has taken Mudryk's number 10 shirt and wore it for the first time in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC at the Club World Cup. Speaking on Thursday at the club's training base at Subaru Park, home to MLS side Philadelphia Union, Palmer said he had not yet spoken to his team-mate but "will when the time is right". Asked why he had wanted to wear the number 10 shirt, 23-year-old Palmer said it was to emulate his footballing idols. "I wore number 10 all my life growing up and I just like the number," he said. "It is an iconic number, which makes me think of Messi and Rooney." When in Manchester City's academy, Palmer sent a private message to Belgium winger Eden Hazard, a former wearer of the number 10 shirt at Chelsea, but did not receive a response. Palmer said Hazard still hasn't replied to his message but added: "I have met him a few times at the training ground. He asked me for one of his shirts from his sons." Meanwhile, Maresca said he will rotate "three, four or five players in every game", with his team next facing Brazilian giants Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field. He added that he expects winger Noni Madueke to remain at the club despite links to Arsenal.
Maresca yet to speak to Mudryk after anti-doping charge
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Supports Mykhailo Mudryk Amid Anti-Doping Charge"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Mykhailo Mudryk, the 24-year-old Ukrainian forward for Chelsea, has been in the spotlight since he was charged by the Football Association (FA) for violating anti-doping rules. Mudryk was provisionally suspended in December after an adverse finding from a routine urine test, which could lead to a potential four-year ban from the sport. This situation has left him unable to train with the team, and he has not played for Chelsea since November. Despite the circumstances, Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, has expressed his unwavering support for Mudryk, stating that he has not spoken to the player directly since their encounter at the Uefa Conference League final, where he appeared to be in good spirits. Maresca emphasized that Mudryk remains a Chelsea player and that he trusts all his players, indicating a commitment to supporting Mudryk through this challenging time.
In terms of team dynamics, Mudryk's absence has opened the door for other players, such as Cole Palmer, who has taken over the number 10 shirt previously worn by Mudryk. Palmer, who wore the iconic number to honor his footballing idols, commented on the significance of the number, linking it to legends like Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney. He also expressed a desire to connect with former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who also wore the number 10 shirt. Meanwhile, Maresca has indicated a strategy of rotating players in upcoming matches, looking ahead to a challenging clash against Flamengo. Amidst speculation regarding the future of winger Noni Madueke and potential interest from Arsenal, Maresca reassured fans that he expects Madueke to remain with Chelsea, highlighting the team's focus on maintaining stability during this tumultuous period for Mudryk and the club.
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