Mudryk Urges Chelsea Fans to Keep the Faith Amid Doping Appeal

Mykhailo Mudryk has asked Chelsea supporters not to give up on him as he edges closer to a potential return, offering a public show of optimism while continuing to appeal his doping suspension.

The 24 year old winger has been provisionally banned since December 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium, an outcome that halted his Chelsea career just weeks after his last appearance in November. As the appeal process continues, Mudryk used a New Year message to reassure fans of his belief in a positive resolution.

Mudryk has consistently maintained his innocence since the charge was confirmed, stressing that the result came as a shock and insisting he has never knowingly broken anti-doping rules. The case has left him sidelined for over a year, with the threat of a four-year ban still hanging over his career.

The suspension has also carried financial implications. Chelsea signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £88 million, and reports suggested his former club could miss out on around £30 million in performance-related add-ons. Shakhtar’s director of football, Darijo Srna, dismissed those concerns, stating the club’s focus was on the player rather than the money and publicly backing Mudryk’s claims of innocence.

Mudryk has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his absence, posting only occasional updates. His message to fans at the start of 2026 struck a hopeful tone, hinting that progress may be happening behind the scenes as his appeal moves forward.

In that message, the Ukraine international thanked supporters for their patience and loyalty, urging them to remain with him through the uncertainty. He made clear that he has not given up on himself and is eager for the moment he can return to the pitch.

While Mudryk looks ahead, Chelsea continues to navigate a turbulent period. The club recently dismissed head coach Enzo Maresca following internal tensions, leaving interim manager Calum McFarlane to steady the squad ahead of a difficult trip to Manchester City. Leadership figures such as Reece James have been tasked with keeping focus during the transition.

For Mudryk, the immediate future remains tied to the outcome of his appeal. A successful resolution would not only revive his Chelsea career but also close a difficult chapter that has kept him away from the game at a crucial stage. Until then, his message is clear: patience, belief, and the promise that he intends to come back.