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NZO MARESCA is gearing up for the January transfer window if Mykhailo Mudryk is handed a significant suspension.
The Chelsea manager has expressed support for his winger following a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.
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Mudryk, who insists he is innocent, is currently waiting for the results of a ‘B’ sample taken during his international duty with Ukraine.
Chelsea has been on an impressive run, having spent over £1 billion under the current ownership.
Maresca remarked: “We have three league games to play before January.
“After these matches, we will assess if we need to make any moves.”
Mudryk’s urine sample showed the presence of meldonium, a substance known for enhancing performance.
The 23-year-old winger faces a potential four-year ban if found guilty, expressing shock at the findings.
While Chelsea boasts a solid roster of wingers, they are competing for both the Premier League title and a European trophy this season.
Homegrown talent Tyrique George is expected to step in if Mudryk is sidelined for an extended period.
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Sources indicate that there is no recall clause in Raheem Sterling’s loan deal with Arsenal.
As Chelsea currently sits in second place, just behind Liverpool, and is performing remarkably well, head coach Maresca is committed to keeping his squad competitive for trophies.
Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs test
How long are drug bans in football?
By SunSport’s Joshua Jones
MYKHAILO MUDRYK faces a potential four-year ban following a positive drugs test
What are the regulations surrounding drugs in football?
There is a crucial difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.
Recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and MDMA, typically result in a six-month suspension.
This penalty can increase to two years if a drug is detected post-match.
In contrast, performance-enhancing substances attract much harsher penalties.
Specifically, the substance for which Mudryk tested positive, meldonium, falls into this category.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) typically enforces a standard four-year ban.
Paul Pogba received a similar four-year suspension after testing positive, which was later reduced to 18 months upon appeal.
The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code administered by WADA and will adhere to the established guidelines and procedures.
If Mudryk’s secondary ‘B’ sample also tests positive, he may face a minimum 18-month ban, with the possibility of extending up to four years.
The only athlete currently suspended on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping violations is Craig Campbell.
The former Scottish striker received a four-year ban in December 2022 after being found guilty of cocaine distribution.
In other updates, defender Josh Achempong, 18, has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him until 2029.
He made his full debut for the Blues in last week’s Conference League victory in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, Maresca has affirmed that Mudryk’s career at Chelsea is not over.
He added: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.
“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career has come to an end. I am confident he will return.
“When that return happens is the uncertainty we face now.
“But without a doubt, he will be back.”
What substance was found in Mudryk’s system?
By SunSport’s Joshua Jones
MYKHAILO MUDRYK tested positive for a banned substance back in October.
The Chelsea winger could face a suspension of up to four years due to the performance-enhancing nature of the drug.
Mudryk is accused of having meldonium in his system.
Meldonium, also known as mildronate, acts as a metabolic modulator akin to insulin and is commonly used in Eastern European countries.
It is prescribed for heart conditions but is also believed to assist athletes in managing stress, optimizing oxygen usage, and rapidly regaining energy.
Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances in January 2016 following its frequent detection during the 2015 European Games in Baku.
Shortly after, former tennis world No.1 Maria Sharapova was suspended for two years by the International Tennis Federation — a ban that was later reduced to 15 months on appeal.
Sharapova had taken the drug for a decade for health reasons and claimed she was unaware it had been banned.
In 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin also tested positive for meldonium before his fight with heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
