Mykhailo Mudryk: Chelsea Star Faces Ban After Failed Doping Test

• Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a doping test as speculations about his recent whereabouts continue
• Mudryk has been a notable absentee from Chelsea's recent games, with the club citing illness as the reason
• A doping offence carries a lengthy ban, with Paul Pogba's case the most recent example of how such cases are dealt with

A scandal has rocked the Premier League after it emerged that Mykhailo Mudryk failed a doping test.

Mudryk has been conspicuously absent from Chelsea's matchday squads, with head coach Enzo Maresca stating he was ill.

When did Mudryk last play for Chelsea?

The last time the 23-year-old was involved in a matchday squad was on December 1 during Chelsea's comprehensive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. He last started a game on November 28, where he scored against Heidenheim in the Conference League.

What has Mykhailo Mudryk been accused of?

Tribuna now reports that the Ukrainian forward has failed a doping test after a banned substance was found in his sample.

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The report indicates that the 'A' sample was taken at the end of October with the 'B' sample set to be opened soon.

A cross-check by YEN.com.gh shows that the Chelsea winger has turned off comments on his Instagram page.

Mudryk now stands suspended, as he cannot play until the situation is resolved.

What punishments could Mudryk face?

Doping offences often carry lengthy bans. Paul Pogba is the most recent player to have suffered from this. The World Cup-winning midfielder was initially banned for four years after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that raises levels of testosterone. His ban was, however, reduced to 18 months after appeal.

Mudryk's stats at Chelsea

If banned, it would be another step in the wrong direction for a player who has yet to fully settle at Chelsea. The former Shakhtar Donetsk man was supposed to join Arsenal, but the Gunners were prized out of a deal by their London rivals.

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He has made 15 appearances for Maresca this season, scoring thrice and assisting five times.

Why Kamaldeen was subbed early vs Spurs

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh detailed Russell Martin's explanation for substituting Kamaldeen Sulemana just 15 minutes into the game against Tottenham.

The former Southampton manager revealed it was a tactical move to fix defensive lapses after conceding three early goals.

Source: TUKO.co.ke