Mykhailo Mudryk has been absent from Chelsea's line-up for over a year, following a suspension due to a failed drugs test. The Football Association (FA) provisionally suspended him in December 2024 after an 'adverse finding in a routine urine test'. The FA subsequently charged Mudryk with 'Anti-Doping Rule Violations', alleging 'the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance'. The substance was identified as meldonium, which could result in a ban of up to four years for the 25-year-old.
During his provisional suspension, Mudryk has been training individually with a private coach, with his access to club facilities remaining restricted. The Ukraine winger last played for Chelsea in their UEFA Conference League group stage victory over Heidenheim in November that year. The exact duration of any potential ban is yet to be confirmed, leaving uncertainty around his return to football.
In light of this, The Express has provided an update on the latest news regarding Mudryk;
Chelsea statement
Chelsea released a statement at the time of his suspension: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test. Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA's testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding."
Mudryk also stated on social media: "I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. 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. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can."
Profile overhaul sparks speculation
Mudryk has revamped his Instagram profile picture and biography, stripping away all club-related references in the process. Previously maintaining a consistent online presence, the winger dramatically transformed his profile in June 2025.
His previous profile image has been swapped for a picture of English actor Christian Bale portraying Patrick Bateman from the 2000 thriller American Psycho, which was adapted from Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel. The character represents a New York investment banker leading a secret double life as a serial killer. Mudryk's biography now simply states: "Watch how they hate."
Recent social media interaction
On Monday, the club posted a photo of Mudryk celebrating his goal against Panathinaikos in the previous season's Conference League group stage, tagging him and wishing: "Happy birthday, Misha!" Mudryk reciprocated on Instagram with a blue heart emoji and 'liked' the post, which was also appreciated by teammates Marc Guiu and Wesley Fofana.
The Ukraine forward shared a birthday snapshot of himself, simply captioned '25'. The post garnered likes from fellow players Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Guiu, Mike Penders, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
In response to the outpouring of birthday wishes, Mudryk expressed his gratitude to fans, stating: "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."
He ended his message with a three-word hint: "[Can't wait to] See you soon."