Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended from football after failing a drug test last season, and the Ukraine international has not played for Chelsea since November 2024
Matthew Abbott
10:26, 24 Jan 2026
Liam Rosenior speaks during a Chelsea press conference
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Liam Rosenior(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Liam Rosenior has not spoken to Mykhailo Mudryk since becoming Chelsea head coach and only plans to hold talks when the time is right.
Mudryk has not played for the Blues since November 2024 after failing a drug test. The Football Association charged him with violating their anti-doping rules last summer and continues to investigate.
In the meantime, a provisional suspension from playing remains in place, over a year after being contacted about an adverse finding. Mudryk categorically confirmed back then he had never knowingly broken any rules or used any banned substances, as well as expressing shock at the situation.
Since then, Rosenior has replaced Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, and is now almost four weeks into the role. He still says there are plenty of things he has not yet been able to do despite wanting to.
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During a press conference ahead of the Blues' game against Crystal Palace this weekend, the assembled media asked whether Rosenior had reached out to Mudryk. He replied: "Not yet."
"It's definitely something that I want to do. But there are many things I want to do and haven't been able to do.
"But, no, he's a magnificent player. He's had a really difficult time, and when the moment is right for me and him and the club, I'll definitely have a conversation with him."
Rosenior clarified what would constitute the right moment. He said: "The time is right when I speak with the board and the sporting directors and when it's right that he's in a place where I can have an impact, in a positive way, on his career."
Mudryk turned 25 earlier this month, with Chelsea posting about their player on social media for the first time in months to wish him a happy birthday. He himself remains relatively inactive online, but did post to mark the start of this year.
"Happy New Year to all my fans," Mudryk said on Instagram. "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 [given] up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon."
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January is also the month he signed for Chelsea three years ago, and the Ukraine international still has five-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
Mudryk made 73 appearances across all competitions for the Blues before being banned. However, just over half of those were as a starter, coming off the bench 33 times.
He has scored 10 goals, all but three of them during the 2023/24 season. That remains his only full season at the club.