Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers LIVE!
Chelsea made it a perfect six wins out of six in the Conference League when they concluded the league phase against Irish side Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. It had been a competition to remember so far for Enzo Maresca’s table-topping Blues, who have continued to make sweeping changes and rattled off five consecutive victories against Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim and Astana.
With automatic progress through to the last 16 already assured, Chelsea gave more chances to youngsters on Thursday after Josh Acheampong finally ended his contract stand-off this week, with Tyrique George also impressing. But there was no Mykhailo Mudryk after the Ukrainian winger tested positive for a banned substance and was provisionally suspended from football while he awaits the results of a ‘B’ sample, having insisted he has never knowingly used any banned substances and vowed to prove his innocence.
Teenage striker Marc Guiu helped himself to an opportunistic hat-trick in a chaotic first half in west London, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella also on target in a 5-1 thrashing on the night as Markus Poom scored the only goal for the visitors. Follow Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers reaction live below!
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers highlights
- GOAL! Cucurella piles on Shamrock Rovers misery
- GOAL! Guiu heads in for first-half hat-trick
- GOAL! Dewsbury-Hall adds third on the rebound
- GOAL! Guiu punishes another defensive error
- GOAL! Poom gets quick-fire equaliser after Kenny denied
- GOAL! Guiu gives Chelsea lead after blunder
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:55 , George FloodFull-time
Another Conference League romp for Chelsea, who finish the league phase in top spot with a perfect record.
They won’t return to action now in Europe until the last 16 in March.
Shamrock Rovers miss out on a top-eight finish and drop down to 10th.
They will be seeded for a two-legged play-off in the New Year.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:51 , George Flood89 mins: Shamrock Rovers should have a late second but Greene can’t turn home from close range.
Into two minutes of added time.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:46 , George Flood85 mins: Tyrique George deserves a goal for his efforts tonight, twisting and turning again inside the box before his goal-bound shot is blocked by Lopes.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:45 , George Flood83 mins: The introduction of Burke has given Shamrock Rovers some added impetus late on here, but no one can turn home his wicked delivery into the six-yard box from the left flank.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:44 , George Flood82 mins: Samuel Rak-Sakyi is coming on for Chelsea now.
He replaces Dewsbury-Hall.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:42 , George Flood79 mins: Shamrock Rovers look like they are going to be awarded a penalty after Murray-Campbell barges over Burke.
French referee Willy Delajod appears likely to give it, but doesn’t point to the spot in the end after giving himself a moment to think.
It was outside the box anyway.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:39 , George Flood77 mins: Another change from Shamrock Rovers with under 15 minutes to play.
O’Neill is replaced by Darragh Nugent in midfield.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:37 , George Flood75 mins: Honohan poses a threat down the Shamrock Rovers left flank and gets to the byline, but his low ball is claimed by Jorgensen.
At the other end, Felix runs at Grace before flashing another shot wide of the back post.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:35 , George Flood71 mins: Felix releases Vale, who tries to pick out Nkunku inside the six-yard box but the ball is hacked clear.
Graham Burke and Aaron Greene are coming on for Shamrock Rovers.
They replace Farrugia and Kenny, who could have played his last game for the club with rumours that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wants him back in January.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:31 , George Flood69 mins: Despite their commanding four-goal buffer, Chelsea are still pressing hard all over the pitch here - Maresca will be thrilled with their application tonight.
They force yet another defensive mistake and Pohls has to get down low to deny Joao Felix, who is desperate to get on the scoresheet.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:29 , George Flood67 mins: Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley look to his bench for the first time tonight with just under 25 minutes still to play.
Daniel Mandroiu and Jack Byrne replace Poom and Watts.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:26 , George Flood64 mins: Chelsea go close from another corner before Shamrock Rovers embark upon a rare foray forward deep into Blues territory, with Poom failing to unduly trouble Jorgensen with a tame effort.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:24 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
In the end, it looks like goal difference won’t prove decisive in the race for the top eight and it’s just as well for Shamrock.
Theirs is taking a pummelling here and we’ve still got half an hour to play.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:23 , George Flood62 mins: Shamrock Rovers skipper Lopes with a bit of a frustrated challenge on the fleet-footed Joao Felix.
Yellow card.
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:2260 mins: Almost a sixth Chelsea goal on the hour mark as Joao Felix gets a slice of good fortune before flashing a dangerous low shot wide of the back post.
He came on just moments before for hat-trick hero Guiu, who got a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge crowd.
Disasi has also made way for Harrison Murray-Campbell, who makes his senior Blues debut.
GOAL! Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers | Marc Cucurella 58'
21:18 , George Flood58 mins: It’s five!
A lovely passing move from Chelsea is finished off brilliantly by Cucurella, who does his best striker impression by cutting in with a great touch and firing in off the post.
Changes now coming from Maresca...
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:15 , George Flood54 mins: Nkunku shifts the ball into a little pocket of space before letting fly with a decent effort that is beaten away by Pohls.
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:13 , George Flood50 mins: Stand-in captain Disasi was briefly down for Chelsea after a knock to the head, but he’s quickly back on his feet and fine to continue.
You wonder how long Maresca will leave it before sending on more of the club’s youngsters.
Rak-Sakyi, Murray-Campbell, Mheuka and Dyer all options.
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:10 , George Flood48 mins: Chelsea straight on the front foot in this second half, but a ball into the box is overhit and sails behind for a goal kick.
Shamrock Rovers force another corner, but Cleary can’t get an effort on target.
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
21:06 , George FloodBack underway at Stamford Bridge, with another youngster entering the fray now in Harvey Vale.
Madueke off.
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:54 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
An eventful half with some fairly dismal defending on the part of the visitors really the reason for the difference between the sides.
Should be chance for Maresca to give some more minutes to some of the youngsters on his bench.
Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:52Half-time
GOAL! Chelsea 4-1 Shamrock Rovers | Marc Guiu 48'
20:50 , George Flood48 mins: A first-half hat-trick for Marc Guiu!
On the stroke of half-time, the Spanish teenager glances in a header from Madueke’s cross.
Chelsea absolutely cruising at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:48 , George Flood45 mins: Into three minutes of added time at the end of an entertaining first half.
Shamrock Rovers have a corner as Chelsea continue to look a little ropey defending set-pieces, but a free-kick is given.
Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:45 , George Flood43 mins: Jorgensen reacts well to claim a cross at one end before Chelsea are denied again at the other.
Such a pace to this game...
Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:45Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
A cushion for Chelsea, but problems now for Shamrock, for whom goal difference is going to be a big factor tonight.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock Rovers | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 40'
20:41 , George Flood40 mins: Chelsea do have a third goal before the break!
Cucurella plays in Nkunku, who is dispossessed by a cracking challenge from Shamrock Rovers captain Lopes.
Unfortunately for him, Dewsbury-Hall is on hand to stroke home the rebound for his second Chelsea goal.
Will the floodgates now open?
Chelsea 2-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:40 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
It was another defensive horror show from Shamrock but full credit to Marc Guiu, who still had a bit to do.
That all came from Darragh Burns declining the chance to run at Cucurella one-on-one and instead passing it all the way back.
Chelsea 2-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:3935 mins: Almost a first-half hat-trick for Guiu after yet another defensive mix-up.
What is going on in that Shamrock Rovers defence?!
Chelsea firmly back in the ascendancy now and hunting a third goal...
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Shamrock Rovers | Marc Guiu 34'
20:36 , George Flood34 mins: Guiu gratefully accepts another absolute gift to restore Chelsea’s advantage!
Cleary is under no pressure at all as he tries to pass back to Pohls, but the Blues striker reads it a mile off and nips in to intercept before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting in from a tight angle.
Two defensive horror shows from Shamrock Rovers.
Chelsea 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:35 , George Flood32 mins: Chelsea have gone off the boil a bit here and the away fans are loving it.
“You’re supposed to be at home,” is the chant.
Chelsea 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
20:3229 mins: Nkunku is taken down just outside the box by goalscorer Poom, who picks up the first booking of the night.
Nkunku’s free-kick is straight into the wall.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Shamrock Rovers | Markus Poom 26'
20:28 , George Flood26 mins: They do have their quick equaliser!
Chelsea fail to clear a corner from the right and Poom’s low drive deflects in off Casadei, wrong-footing Jorgensen.
The away end erupts - what a moment for Shamrock Rovers.
Game on!
Chelsea 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:2724 mins: Almost an instant equaliser from the visitors, but Jorgensen makes a fine save to keep out a vicious effort from Kenny.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Shamrock Rovers | Marc Guiu 23'
20:25 , George Flood23 mins: Deadlock broken!
It’s a moment to forget for Burns, who tries to head a long ball forward from Veiga back to his own goalkeeper but gets it all wrong and Guiu steals in to head in from close range.
A really disappointing way for Shamrock Rovers to fall behind.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:24 , George Flood19 mins: Chelsea turning the screw once more, with the corners piling up and George still looking dangerous.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:21 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Bright starts from the two Cobham boys in the Chelsea lineup here. George has looked to be positive every time he’s had the chance and Acheampong’s just made a nice dart inside to combine with Nkunku.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:2117 mins: Another chance for Chelsea as Nkunku finds George, whose lofted cross is volleyed into the ground and onto the roof of the net at the back post by Madueke.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:16 , George Flood14 mins: Wow - what a chance for Shamrock Rovers to take the lead completely against the run of play.
Chelsea afford far too much space down their left-hand side and the usually lethal Kenny miskicks badly wide.
It should be 1-0 to the visitors! A huge miss from the Celtic loanee.
Was he onside?
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:1514 mins: Chelsea’s players are queuing up to have a go here with another effort blocked before Nkunku tries to pick out the run of Dewsbury-Hall.
A lofted ball into the box just misses his head and Pohls can gratefully gather.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:13 , George Flood11 mins: Shamrock Rovers are being penned deep inside their own half as Madueke comes forward and his cross is held by German goalkeeper Pohls.
Lopes then blocks an effort from Guiu, who is looking to pick up where he left off in Astana last week.
George impressing for Chelsea early on here too as the pressure continues to crank up.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:11 , George Flood9 mins: Shamrock Rovers stay alert to just about deal with a couple of quick-fire Chelsea corners.
But the pressure is already mounting from the hosts, who have dominated this opening 1- minutes as you might expect.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:10 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
An absolute barrage of tape rains down as Nkunku waits to take a corner.
He sees the funny side but referee Willy Delajod does not and he’s been motioning to the Uefa official on the sideline that a formal announcement needs to be made warning fans over the PA.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:07 , George Flood5 mins: White tape is being hurled from the away end towards Nkunku as the corner is delayed while the referee talks to respective captains Disasi and Lopes as they jostle for position.
We’ll have more of a delay as that is cleared up. Nkunku and Dewsbury-Hall resort to doing it themselves.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:06 , George Flood4 mins: Ironic cheers from the noisy away fans after Acheampong fires into the stands from distance.
Shamrock Rovers make their first real inroads into the Chelsea half, but Kenny’s ball is disappointing.
The Blues looking lively as Cucurella gets to the byline and wins a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Shamrock Rovers
20:04 , George Flood2 mins: Shamrock Rovers full of bite and energy early on here as they press all over the pitch, trying to make Chelsea uncomfortable in possession amid a crackling atmosphere.
Captain Lopes makes a crucial challenge on Guiu inside the box after good link-up play with George.
The visitors’ first counter-attack of the night is quickly halted.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
20:00 , George FloodHere we go at Stamford Bridge!
Will Chelsea secure top spot in the Conference League table and finish the league phase with a perfect record?
Or can high-flying Shamrock Rovers threaten one of the biggest European shocks in recent memory?
France’s Willy Delajod is tonight’s referee, with Bastien Dechepy on VAR duty.
Chelsea in familiar blue at home tonight, Shamrock Rovers in their green and white hoops.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
19:58 , George FloodHere come the teams after a pre-match light show at Stamford Bridge.
A good atmosphere inside the ground, with those away fans bang up for this.
An Irish team has never previously visited the Bridge for a competitive game.
Shamrock Rovers boss Bradley responds to Millwall links
19:52 , George FloodCould tonight’s game be something of a last hurrah for Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley?
The Irishman has emerged this week as a potential successor to the outgoing Neil Harris at Millwall.
But Bradley has much more than just football matters to think about, with his son Josh having been battling leukemia.
Asked about the interest from Millwall this week, Bradley said: “If I sat here and said I was speaking to x, y and z, I think that would be really disrespectful to my club and my players.
"That’s not how we operate and that’s not how I operate. My only focus this week has been preparing the team for Chelsea.
"I understand people talk and there is speculation, but I can’t control that. I don’t want to, it is what it is. All I can control is getting these men prepared as best we can.
"I’m genuinely flattered by the interest in me that has been shown in the last two years but I keep repeating, Josh is Number one, my family is number one, but Josh’s treatment is number one and that’s not going to change any time soon.
"Do I want better myself and be the best manager I can be and challenge myself? Of course I do, 100 per cent I do. But for that to happen, everything has to be right.
"I’m 40, I’m not 60 and thinking ‘it has to happen tomorrow’. I’m still developing, still learning, let’s see what the future holds for me."
Maresca rules out Chelsea loan exit for Josh Acheampong
19:47 , George FloodAfter his new deal was finally signed this week, Enzo Maresca appeared to rule out the possibility of Josh Acheampong leaving Chelsea on loan in January.
“My personal opinion is that he has to stay close to us. So as much as we can keep him here, it's much better,” he said.
On fellow youngster Omari Kellyman’s recovery from injury, the Blues boss added: “Yeah, now the main plan for him was to recover after the injury and now step by step, slowly slowly to get minutes and then in January we'll see which decision is better for him.”
Chelsea team news reaction
19:43 , George FloodHere are more pre-match thoughts from Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge...
🗣️ "Not quite the side we thought Maresca would go for."@MalikOuzia_ reacts to that Chelsea team news at Stamford Bridge
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 19, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/ly3nZtN6Lj#CHESHR | #UECL | #CFC pic.twitter.com/RFA4hTw1F7
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
19:36 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Not too many familiar names among the Shamrock Rovers lineup tonight but one that (maybe) will be is that of Markus Poom.
He is indeed the son of former Derby, Sunderland and, briefly, Arsenal goalkeeper Mart Poom.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
19:29 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Not sure if the Shamrock Rovers kit range comes with trackies, but they are leading about 18-0 in the Wearing Shorts Stakes as the players emerge for the warm-ups.
Christopher Nkunku in some three-quarter tights is as close as Chelsea get to pulling one back.
Shamrock Rovers unchanged from commanding Borac win
19:23 , George FloodShamrock Rovers are unsurprisingly unchanged from the side that brushed aside Bosnian team Borac 3-0 in Dublin last week thanks to goals from top scorer Johnny Kenny (x2) and Neil Farrugia.
21-year-old Celtic loanee Kenny is the dangerman up top, while midfielder Markus Poom - on loan from Estonian club Flora - is the son of former Premier League goalkeeping stalwart Mart Poom.
Shamrock Rovers team
19:17Starting XI: Pohls, Lopes, Grace, Cleary, Honohan, O'Neill, Poom, Watts, Burns, Farrugia, Kenny
Subs: Steacy, A Noonan, McEneff, Greene, Burke, Kavanagh, Nugent, Clarke, Mandroiu, O’Sullivan, Byrne, C Noonan
Cucurella starts for Chelsea along with Acheampong and George
19:13 , George FloodSo Marc Cucurella appears in the Conference League for only the second time this season with the Spanish full-back suspended for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Everton.
Josh Acheampong earns another start on the opposite side of defence, while fellow academy graduate Tyrique George also starts again in attack.
Axel Disasi captains the side again as he did in Astana last week, though Cucurella’s involvement pushes Renato Veiga into central defence with Tosin Adarabioyo dropping to the bench.
Pedro Neto, Carney Chukwuemeka and Samuel Rak-Sakyi also drop out of the team that started in Kazakhstan, with Cesare Casadei back from suspension and Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku also lining up in attack.
Neto, Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix are all on the bench, but there’s no Chukwuemeka at all.
Chelsea team
19:01Starting XI: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi, Veiga, Cucurella, Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall, Madueke, Nkunku, George, Guiu
Subs: Sanchez, Bergstrom, Tosin, Murray-Campbell, Dyer, Rak-Sakyi, Vale, Sancho, Neto, Joao Felix, Mheuka
Chelsea fan Bradley hails Maresca for quickly instilling 'identity'
18:58 , George FloodHighly-rated Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley was once a youth team player at Chelsea and also admits that he is a lifelong Blues fan.
The former midfielder is relishing his return to Stamford Bridge tonight and also hailed opposite number Enzo Maresca for instilling an identity and culture so quickly at the club.
"Nice memories,” he said. “Chelsea was a club I was at from the age of 10.
“I trained here with some of their legends - (Roberto) Di Matteo, John Terry, Gianfranco Zola, that era. I remember them quite fondly. Brilliant times.
"When you walk in and walk back up the steps, it all comes flooding back to you. Happy thoughts. It's a club I've supported since I was a boy so it's a special night for all of us.
"We have played against some big teams and big individuals in the past. It's not our first time and it won't be our last.
"You've got to set up as a team, but you've also got to give certain individuals special attention because they're special players.
"What we do know is that any XI they put out is going to be a really tough XI.
"You want to challenge yourself against the best and right now these are up there with the best around.
“The manager has come in and very quickly they have a clear identity how they want to play.
“It's very clear they have a real culture now, which is very difficult to achieve."
Shamrock Rovers relishing big occasion after impressive run
18:55 , George FloodShamrock Rovers have already enjoyed some famous nights in the Conference League this season, but this evening will be on another level.
“You have to be excited and nervous before games like this," said manager Stephen Bradley this week.
"That's all healthy. It keeps you on edge, keeps you sharp.
"Give me this game over a game in front of 50 people, that means nothing and no one will have any interest.
"This is why we're involved in the game, why our players work so hard. You get to test yourself against probably the most in-form team in Europe right now.
"You have to enjoy watching a team like Chelsea play this year. They've a mix of power, pace, a clear identity in what they're doing, a real energy in the team.
"It's been a real joy to watch them since the manager has come in. We've got to look and try and learn from these teams."
Shamrock Rovers need shock win to secure top-eight finish
18:48 , George FloodUnbeaten Shamrock Rovers head into tonight’s game sitting sixth in the Conference League table with three wins, two draws and 11 points from their five matches so far.
A shock win at Stamford Bridge would seal their place in the last 16, while anything else would leave them heavily reliant on results elsewhere.
A defeat would surely likely not be enough to see them still scrape a top-eight finish and avoid a two-legged play-off in the New Year, with the standings so congested.
Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny is currently tied with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Afimico Pululu of Polish side Jagiellonia for the lead at the top of the scoring charts with five.
Maresca delighted as Acheampong contract stand-off ends
18:37 , George FloodAway from Mykhailo Mudryk, the other story of note for Chelsea this week has been the long-awaited end of the Josh Acheampong contract saga at last.
A stand-off over a new deal had seen the highly-rated teenage defender not play at all since the Carabao Cup demolition of Barrow back in September, but he was back in senior action in Astana last week and yesterday finally put pen to paper on a long-term extension at Stamford Bridge until 2029.
"Very, very happy,” Enzo Maresca said of that new deal.
“Josh has been quite clear, he was with us in pre-season. I didn't know him personally, but after two or three days that he was there with us, he really impressed me.
"Since the pre-season I was trying to understand a little bit the situation with him in terms of contract and these kind of things.
“Now finally the club found an agreement with him and we are all happy because we are all convinced and sure that Josh can be a great player for this club.”
Enzo Maresca: Chelsea 'trust and believe' Mudryk
18:20 , George FloodQuestions on Mykhailo Mudryk inevitably dominated Enzo Maresca’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday, with the Chelsea boss insisting that the club believes, trusts and stands by their player.
"We trust Misha," said Maresca. "When this kind of thing happens you need to support your player in all aspects.
"Misha is a Chelsea player, it's my duty to be in contact with him. Me, the club, his team-mates, we are all there. Trust means we believe Misha."
He added: “I think he's going to come back, the only thing is we don't know when.
“The only doubt we have in this moment but for sure he's going to come back.
"Any player in the world when this happens, they need support.
“No matter if he's 20 or 30, no matter if he's English or Italian or Ukrainian.
“When this kind of thing happens, we all need support. It's not about his age or his country.
"It is my duty since we started. I try to have a quite close relation with the players, because I like it that way.
"With Misha it is exactly the same.
“I'm there to try to help him in anything he needs because in this moment it's normal that he's going to need help from the club, from me, from his team-mates, and we are all there to try to support."
Mudryk vows to prove innocence after failed drugs test
18:11 , George FloodAfter news of his failed test broke earlier this week, Mykhailo Mudryk released a statement insisting that he has never knowingly used any banned substances and vowed to prove his innocence.
“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance,” the Chelsea winger said.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.
“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
Chelsea’s own statement on the matter read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.
“Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.
“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.
“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.
“The club will not be commenting any further.”
Festive feeling at Stamford Bridge
18:01 , George FloodA very festive feel around Stamford Bridge tonight for Chelsea’s final home match before Christmas.
The Blues will be back here on Boxing Day for the small matter of a Premier League west London derby against local rivals Fulham...
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers prediction
17:53 , George FloodThe Irish side have certainly impressed in Europe so far this season but it’s difficult to look past Chelsea, even with rotation in mind.
Chelsea to win, 3-0.
Early Shamrock Rovers team news: Gaffney still sidelined
17:52 , George FloodShamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley looks to have an almost fully-fit squad to choose from at Stamford Bridge tonight, with veteran striker Rory Gaffney still a long-term absentee.
He’s the only known injured player at present, with The Hoops only having the Conference League to focus on at the moment after the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division season finished back in early November - with Shamrock Rovers finishing second and two points adrift of Damien Duff’s champions Shelbourne.
Early Chelsea team news: Mudryk provisionally suspended
17:44Mykhailo Mudryk missed last week’s long journey to Astana but is a regular for Chelsea in the Conference League, though obviously won’t be involved tonight after a provisional suspension from football that followed him testing positive for a banned substance.
Mudryk is currently awaiting the results of a B sample after being notified of an adverse finding in a routine urine test, having insisted that he has never knowingly used any banned substances and vowed to prove his innocence.
Chelsea’s guaranteed spot in the last 16 means Enzo Maresca even rotated his normal midweek team in Kazakhstan and we can expect more chances for the club’s talented young crop this evening, especially after Josh Acheampong finally ended his long contract stand-off yesterday.
The likes of Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain out but would not have been involved tonight anyway, with Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile also battling fitness issues.
Joao Felix is likely to be involved after a knock, while it remains to be seen if Marc Cucurella will have any part to play given that he is suspended for the Premier League trip to Everton on Sunday.
How to watch Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
17:36 , George FloodTV channel: Tonight’s game will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm GMT.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers live
17:34 , George FloodGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League.
The Blues are looking to put the Mykhailo Mudryk headlines to one side in west London this evening as they bid to finish the initial league phase of Europe’s revamped tertiary club competition with a sixth consecutive victory, having already assured automatic qualification through to the last 16.
But a much-changed and likely young Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca could face a stern test against a flying Shamrock Rovers outfit that have yet to lose in this competition so far this season and also harbour their own realistic hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds without the need for a nervy New Year play-off.
Kick-off this evening is at 8pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, team news and live updates including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge.
