Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes Mykhailo Mudryk can prove his innocence after the Ukrainian was provisionally banned from football due to a failed drugs test.
The £89 million signing was absent from Chelsea’s last four matchday squads. It was revealed on Tuesday that he tested positive for a banned substance.
Mudryk is waiting on the result of a ‘B’ sample and whether or not it confirms the findings of his ‘A’ sample.
The results of the B-sample will determine whether the initial test is upheld. This could potentially lead to a significant suspension for the Chelsea star.
Maresca was quizzed about Mudryk on Wednesday, ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Shamrock Rovers tomorrow.
Enzo Maresca Responds To Mykhailo Mudryk Ban
Reacting for the first time since the news of Mudryk’s failed drugs test broke, the Italian said: “We trust Misha. We support him. What Misha said, and what we said, is that we trust Misha and support Misha.
“We are all upset and sad. I spoke with him a few days ago. At the moment, he can’t train. We are waiting. The club is here to support the player.
“There is not anything to add apart from the club, the staff all support and trust Misha.
‘It is general support. We trust Misha. When this kind of thing happens, you need to support your player in all of the aspects. Misha is a Chelsea player. It’s my duty to be in contact with him. Me, the club, the player.”
Asked if he believes Mudryk is innocent, Maresca said: “We all believe that. And then we will see.”
Mudryk Maintains His Innocence After Positive Drugs Test
Maresca’s comments come after Mykhailo Mudryk released a statement on Tuesday in which he insisted he had done nothing wrong.
He said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.
“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 when I can.”
