Mykhailo Mudryk has been handed a four-year ban for breaching anti-doping rules.
The Ukrainian, who joined Chelsea from Shaktah Donetsk at the start of 2023 for £88.5 million, has not featured for the Blues since November 2024 following a positive anti-doping test result.
Although the FA have not disclosed the substance the winger tested positive for, according to BBC Sport, it was a cardiovascular medication known as Meldonium.
The medicine — a metabolic drug developed in the 1970's — can increase respiratory capacity and stamina. It was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list on January 1, 2016.
It is believed Mudryk came in contact with the banned substance while away on international duty with the Ukraine national team. The Ukraine FA confirmed none of their coaching staff were involved.
As a result of Mudryk's positive test result and subsequent suspension, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently handed the forward a four-year ban.
The 25-year-old has appealed the decision, and interestingly, those closest to him feel he will be successful.
Mykhaylo Mudryk expecting to make return soon despite four-year ban
Although Mudryk is under contract at Chelsea until 2031, should CAS uphold their decision, the Blues will have the option to terminate his contract due to clauses relating to anti-doping offences.
However, despite the winger's precarious position, there is hope he will make a return to competitive action a lot sooner than 2030.
According to BBC Sport, Mudryk's entourage are expecting his appeal to be successful and believe he will be back on the pitch as early as next season.
It seems hard to believe the 25-year-old will return so soon, especially given the magnitude of the offence he has been charged with.
However, those with inside knowledge of the situation are feeling upbeat about his future, and that must mean something.
Continuing at Chelsea unlikely for Mudryk irrespective of CAS appeal
Irrespective of Mudryk's appeal, fans would be amazed to see him continue at Stamford Bridge.
Even prior to his suspension, the winger was a major disappointment, scoring just 10 goals in 73 matches in all competitions.
Sadly, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens haven't offered much more either.
Even if the former Shaktah Donetsk man does win his appeal and is cleared to return to domestic and international duties, he will find it incredibly difficult to reach the levels required; even more so now he's missed so much action.
Add us as a preferred source on Google