Remember this guy? Mudryk hints at a return

Mykhailo Mudryk has sent a heartfelt message to Chelsea supporters, asking them to “don’t give up on me” as he continues to wait for a decision in his ongoing doping case and hints at a future return to football.

The 24-year-old winger, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in a 88 milion euros move in January 2023, has not appeared on the pitch since Chelsea’s Europa Conference League fixture on November 28, 2024.

In December of that year, Mudryk was provisionally suspended after testing positive for a prohibited substance, before being formally charged in June 2025. Ukrainian media have reported that the substance involved was meldonium — a claim understood by Daily Mail Sport to be accurate.

Since publicly denying any wrongdoing, Mudryk has largely stayed out of the spotlight, limiting his communication to occasional posts on social media.

However, the Ukrainian international recently broke his silence with a New Year’s message addressed directly to fans, urging them to keep faith in him.

"Happy New year to all my fans," Mudryk wrote. "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 not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon."

If found guilty, Mudryk could be handed a ban of up to four years. At present, there is still no confirmed timeline for when the case will reach a conclusion.

Mudryk suspended from football after positive drugs test

Back in November, World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka commented on the situation, explaining that the process remains unresolved.

"First of all, we are waiting for a disciplinary decision in his case (from the Football Association of England). As of today, we do not know when it will come," Banka said.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20

Saturday

Aston Villa - Nott. Forest 3-1 (1-0)

/Watkins 45+1, McGinn 49, 73 - Gibbs-White 61/

Brighton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)

/Rutter 29, Ayari 47/

Wolverhampton - West Ham 3-0 (3-0)

/Arias 4, Hwang 31 pen, Mane 41/

Bournemouth - Arsenal IN PROGRESS

Sunday

15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)

18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)

18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)

18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)

20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)

***odds are subject to change***