Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has finally addressed the ongoing situation surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk, who remains under provisional suspension following a violation of the Football Association’s anti-doping regulations. Mudryk, who was hit with the suspension in December after an adverse finding in a routine urine test, could face a four-year ban if found guilty.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Maresca expressed a measure of support for the Ukrainian winger, making it clear that the club continues to stand by its players. He admitted, however, that he has not spoken directly to Mudryk since Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final in Poland, where the player attended as a spectator. “Mischa is a Chelsea player, and I trust all Chelsea players. I spoke with him at the final in Poland, but not since. He seemed fine then, not worried, but I don’t know how he’s doing now,” said Maresca.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a fee that could rise to £89 million. His contract runs until June 2031, but the 24-year-old has not played for the club since November and is currently not allowed to train with the squad. Though his tenure at Chelsea has been challenging, with only 10 goals in 73 appearances, the club has so far refrained from distancing itself from the player publicly.
Meanwhile, new signing Cole Palmer has stepped into the spotlight after taking over Mudryk’s number 10 shirt. Palmer debuted the iconic number during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC and later explained the significance of the choice. “I’ve worn number 10 all my life. It’s iconic, reminding me of Messi and Rooney,” he said. While he has yet to reach out to Mudryk, Palmer indicated he intends to speak with him in due time.
Palmer also shared a personal story about his admiration for former Chelsea number 10, Eden Hazard. As a young player in Manchester City’s academy, Palmer once messaged Hazard but received no reply. They have since met, and in a touching gesture, Hazard requested one of Palmer’s shirts for his sons.
As the team prepares for the new season, Maresca hinted at an emphasis on squad rotation, stating that he plans to change “three, four, or five players in every game” to maintain freshness and tactical flexibility. The manager also dismissed speculation surrounding winger Noni Madueke’s future, asserting that he expects the England international to remain at Chelsea despite reported interest from Arsenal.
With the dust yet to settle on Mudryk’s situation and Palmer settling into a larger role, Chelsea enters the new campaign navigating both promise and uncertainty.
