Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for the club since November of last year but has been spotted in Poland as the Blues prepare for the Europa Conference League in Wroclaw
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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk before a match
Mykhailo Mudryk could get a medal after the Europa Conference League final despite having not played since November 2024
(Image: Ryan Hiscott)
Chelsea's suspended star Mykhailo Mudryk has been spotted in Wroclaw, Poland as the Blues gear up for their clash with Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final. Mudryk, who hasn't played since November 2024, could also receive a medal should Enzo Maresca's side win the competition on Wednesday evening.
According to reports, Mudryk was spotted in the city centre on Tuesday wearing Chelsea training attire. Mail Sport have reported that the 24-year-old will be watching the game at Stadion Wroclaw with Chelsea said to be grateful for his contribution in getting them to the final.
Mudryk has not appeared for Chelsea since scoring in a 2-0 win at Heidenheim in the early rounds of the competition.
He appeared five times across the qualifying play-off round and league phase. In those appearances, Mudryk scored three goals and provided four assists.
Under UEFA rules, the player is eligible to go to the podium and receive a medal, with Chelsea receiving 50 winners, or runners-up, medals.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk looks on during the match against Servette
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk signed for the club in January 2023
All players fielded, including staff on official lists, are eligible to go to the podium. The fact that Mudryk is still provisionally banned by The FA does not affect this.
However, it is up to Chelsea whether to award Mudryk his medal pitch-side or behind closed doors. The Ukrainian star tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance meldonium late last year.
Mudryk denies knowingly using the substance. Chelsea said at the time that they'd work to establish what caused the failed test.
Mykhaylo Mudryk of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea
Mykhailo Mudryk was backed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
The Blues bought the winger from Shakhtar Donetsk for £87million in January 2023. Since his ban, Mudryk has kept a low profile, yet he did express his surprise at the news.
"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," he said upon the ban. "I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon."
Chelsea manager Maresca also threw his support behind Mudryk. He said in December: "Now the situation is a bit more clear, in terms of the statement, there is not anything to add. The club, coaching staff and everyone in the training ground will support him. General support."
Chelsea will face Betis in Stadion Miejski on Wednesday night with kick-off set for 8pm.
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