Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is prepared for a future without Mykhaylo Mudryk amid the winger's doping scandal. The club's Ukrainian sensation could be sidelined with a hefty four-year suspension following charges by the Football Association for failing a drug test last November.
Mudryk, affectionately known as Mischa, has been absent since the latter stages of the previous season as Chelsea actively search for replacements in the summer transfer window. Their pursuit has seen them rebuffed twice in their attempts to snatch Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund's grasp.
Reflecting on the dilemma, Maresca said: "We had already one entire season already without Mischa. We are going to decide to go for a winger. 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, Mudryk has vowed to exonerate himself amidst his surprise appearance in Wroclaw for the Conference League final. Maresca affirmed his support for Mudryk while the investigation continues. Commenting on Mudryk's situation, Maresca shared: "I spoke with Mischa in Poland when we played the Conference League Final. We haven't spoken since. There is nothing I can add. I don't have more information."
As the case unfolds, the footballing world watches as the £89million signing awaits the verdict that could shape his career trajectory. Chelsea's head coach holds firm faith in squad depth, but is still appreciative of Mudryk. "Mischa is a Chelsea player," Maresca said. "Until he is not, I will trust. It's not just about Mischa. It's in general with all the players."
Maresca also rejected any idea of England winger Madueke leaving the Blues this summer, despite links to Arsenal. Confirmed to bolster the line-up is Brazil starlet Estevao Willian, soon to don Stamford Bridge's blue kit.
"Noni is our player," Maresca said. "In this moment, you can read many speculation [about players]. We consider Noni as our player for next season."
Anticipating a fiery clash against Flamengo, Andrey Santos of Chelsea is braced for a heated game steeped in a historic Rio rivalry. At 21, Santos carries his experience from Vasco da Gama into the fray.
He parallels Flamengo and Vasco da Gama's feud to the legendary Argentina-Brazil tussle. The Brazilian midfielder declared: "Of course, against Flamengo there's always extra motivation, especially because I was playing for a rival team. "Flamengo and Vasco da Gama is like Argentina and Brazil.
"It's a big derby so we have to improve in this game, but I'm so happy to play against Flamengo again. I'm looking forward to it. It's hard because I played for Flamengo's rival, so of course when I'm on the pitch they're probably not going to say nice things about me!
"It's probably going to happen but it's football, it's normal for me. I know there are many people from Brazil here and the support of their fans is amazing, but we have to be constant and to do our work. In the past two years, things feel so different. In two years a lot of things have happened.
"Now I have my son, I'm married now, my whole life has changed and I have more experience. Last season for me was amazing because it was my first season in Europe, first season competing in Europe and I scored 11 goals, four assists and we went to the Conference League and, for me, it was amazing.
"It's good to be here with my team-mates, of course I enjoy the time here. This time is important for me, I enjoy being with my friends and getting to know my team-mates more. Expectations are the best here, that we can work well, end the week well so that we can arrive at the game well and leave with a positive result."