‎Liam Rosenior Addresses Mudryk Situation as Chelsea Star Remains in Limbo Over Doping Ban

‎Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has spoken publicly about Mykhailo Mudryk’s ongoing suspension, revealing he intends to hold talks with the winger once circumstances allow. The Ukrainian has been unavailable since November 2024 after being accused of breaking the FA’s anti-doping regulations following a failed test in June 2025.

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‎New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior comments on Mykhailo Mudryk’s prolonged absence, FA doping charge, and the winger’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

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‎Mudryk, now 25, was handed an open-ended provisional suspension, placing his professional career on hold. The temporary ban may later be replaced with a four-year punishment depending on the outcome of the case.

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‎In the months since the charge, the winger has remained absent from the pitch. Responding when the news emerged, Mudryk denied any wrongdoing and said the result had stunned him.

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‎“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance,” he stated. “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.”

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‎He added that he was cooperating with his team to determine how the substance entered his system and maintained hope of returning soon.

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‎Progress in the case has been slow. Mudryk is unable to train with Chelsea and has kept a low profile. In addition, he was handed a six-month driving ban in September after committing repeated offences.

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‎His former club Shakhtar Donetsk have publicly defended him. Sporting director Darijo Srna stressed their belief in Mudryk’s innocence and offered emotional support.

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‎“We feel so sorry for him,” Srna said. “We know he is 100 percent innocent – he will show that. We support him like an ex-player, a human being and a friend.”

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‎Rosenior is the latest manager to oversee Chelsea since Mudryk arrived, following the tenures of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca. Since taking charge in January, Rosenior has yet to make contact with the suspended winger.

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‎Asked about the situation, the coach said he plans to speak with Mudryk at the appropriate moment.

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‎“Not yet,” Rosenior explained. “It’s something I want to do, but there are many things I want to do and haven’t been able to do. He’s a magnificent player and he’s had a really difficult time.”

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‎He made clear that any conversation would come after discussions with the club hierarchy and when Mudryk is in the right position to benefit from it.

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‎“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,” he said.

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‎Mudryk joined Chelsea after turning down Arsenal in a high-profile move from Shakhtar Donetsk. The transfer involved an initial £62 million payment, with potential add-ons lifting the fee to £89 million.

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‎He played 17 matches in his opening half-season, recording two assists and no goals. During his first full campaign, he scored seven times. In the early stages of the 2024–25 season, he added three goals and four assists before his ban ended his campaign.

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‎The winger has not featured in competitive action since November 2024. While he faces the possibility of a lengthy suspension, he could seek a reduced punishment similar to Paul Pogba’s appeal case. For now, no final verdict has been delivered.

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‎Chelsea, meanwhile, turn their attention to a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace in a London derby on Sunday.