Currently serving a suspension, Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since 2024, and is struggling as a result of his inability to play competitively.
Mudryk was charged by the Football Association with anti-doping violations and, depending on the World Anti-Doping Agency's findings, faces a ban of up to four years. The forward has maintained his innocence throughout.
However, according to Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin, who negotiated Mudryk's £88 million move to Stamford Bridge three years ago, the Chelsea man's mood has deteriorated amid such a long spell out.
Mykhailo Mudryk dejected following anti-doping suspension
Although Mudryk has recently posted a series of training clips, FIFA rules state he must train alone while suspended. Consequently, despite doing everything he can to stay in top physical condition, the 25-year-old is clearly isolated, and that's something he's struggling with.
Despite a team of lawyers and legal representatives actively working on his defence — a defence Palkin believes will be successful — the Shakhtar executive, who spoke to Football London, revealed just how low the forward feels.
"He is training, he's training by himself because the FIFA rules say you cannot stay in the camp. He dedicates almost the whole day to train and to keep himself in a good level, physically and mentally.
The mood is not so good at this moment but he believes everything should be good and he will return to football as fast as possible."
The World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed back in November that they await to learn what disciplinary action the FA will take.
Mudryk has missed nearly 500 days of competitive action and nearly 100 matches for Chelsea. His value has dropped to near-zero because of the uncertainty surrounding the investigation.
Chelsea in tough position regardless of Mudryk's suspension outcome
Regardless of what punishment Mudryk is handed, Chelsea are in a lose-lose position. The winger struggled to live up to his price tag before his suspension and missing so much football since will certainly take its toll.
Mudryk's contact, which doesn't expire until 2031, sees him earn around £100,000-per week, and if Chelsea cannot legally void the terms, they'll remain tied into a multi-million deal for another half decade; remarkable considering how little football the forward has played.
Since his mega money move from Shakhtar in January 2023, Mudryk, who was BlueCo's first big signing post-takeover, has has scored just 10 goals in 73 appearances in all competitions.