Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has issued his first message of 2026 as he remains hopeful of making a comeback, having been suspended from playing football since the back end of 2024
Hannah Pinnock
08:33, 02 Jan 2026
Mykhailo Mudryk
View 2 Images
Mykhailo Mudryk faces an uncertain future at Chelsea(Image: GETTY)
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has broken his silence, speaking out with a defiant message to begin 2026.
The Ukraine international is currently suspended and unable to feature for either his club or country. He initially joined the Blues in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for an eye-watering fee of £89million.
Over the last three years at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has made over 70 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering 11 assists in that time. However, he was provisionally suspended at the end of 2024 after a urine sample tested positive for a banned substance.
Mudryk was officially charged in June last year, but the FA investigation remains ongoing. As a result, he is currently serving an indefinite provisional suspension, with any potential punishment still unclear.
After news of the positive test broke in 2024, Mudryk expressed at the time: "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.
"I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon."
Since his suspension came into effect, Mudryk has been training individually with a private coach, with the access he is permitted at the club remaining limited. Now, he has spoken out with his first message of 2026, as he remains determined to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk could be facing up to a four-year ban
View 2 Images
Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk could be facing up to a four-year ban(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
"Happy new year to all my fans," the winger wrote on his Instagram story. "I just wanted to say thank you for your support.
"I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me, as I [have] not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon."
Mudryk last represented Chelsea in November 2024, featuring in a Conference League win over Heidenheim. A few days later, he was an unused substitute in a Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. The statement arrived less than 24 hours after a draw against Bournemouth in the league, and followed months of tension between the Italian and the club's hierarchy.
Article continues below
The club's academy coach, Calum McFarlane, will oversee the team for their visit to Manchester City this weekend, as the search for a new permanent head coach ramps up. Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League standings, three points adrift of the top four.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!