sportbible
NZO MARESCA is gearing up to enter the January transfer market if Mykhailo Mudryk faces a significant suspension.
The Chelsea manager is in support of his winger following a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.
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Mudryk, who claims he is innocent, is currently waiting for the results of a ‘B’ sample taken during international duty with Ukraine.
Chelsea, currently in a strong position, has invested over £1 billion under the current ownership.
Maresca remarked: “We have three league games remaining before January.
“Following these matches, we will assess whether we need to make moves.”
Mudryk’s urine sample confirmed the presence of meldonium, a known performance-enhancing substance.
The 23-year-old winger could face a suspension of up to four years if found guilty, stating that he is stunned by the results.
Despite Chelsea boasting a robust lineup of wingers, they are competing for both the Premier League title and a European trophy this season.
Young talent Tyrique George is expected to step in if Mudryk faces an extended suspension.
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SunSport has learned that there is no recall clause in Raheem Sterling’s loan agreement with Arsenal.
As Chelsea currently holds second place, just behind Liverpool, and performing remarkably, head coach Maresca is set on keeping his squad competitive for trophies.
Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk facing a FOUR YEAR ban after drug test failure
How long are drug bans in football?
By SunSport’s Joshua Jones
MYKHAILO MUDRYK could face a suspension of up to four years due to a failed drugs test
What are the regulations concerning drugs in football?
There is a major difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.
Recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and MDMA, incur a six-month ban.
However, if a drug is identified after a match, this penalty can increase to two years.
Performance-enhancing substances lead to significantly stricter consequences.
Specifically, the drug that Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, is in this category.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stipulates a standard four-year suspension.
Paul Pogba recently faced a similar four-year ban post his failed drug test, though it was later reduced to 18 months following an appeal.
The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code overseen by WADA, adhering to the designated guidelines and procedures.
If Mudryk’s secondary ‘B’ sample also tests positive, he is likely to receive at least an 18-month ban, which could extend up to four years.
The only athlete presently under sanction by UKAD for anti-doping violations is Craig Campbell.
In December 2022, the former Scottish striker was issued a four-year ban after being found guilty of distributing cocaine.
In other news, defender Josh Achempong, 18, has signed a new contract to remain with the club until 2029.
He made his first full appearance for the Blues in last week’s Conference League victory in Kazakhstan.
Moreover, Maresca has asserted that Mudryk’s career at Chelsea is not over yet.
He professed: “We all believe in Mudryk’s innocence.
“I don’t think Misha’s time at Chelsea has come to an end. I have faith that he will come back.
“When that will happen is the uncertain part we currently face.
“But undoubtedly, he will return.”
What substance did Mudryk test positive for?
By SunSport’s Joshua Jones
MYKHAILO MUDRYK tested positive for a banned substance in October.
The Chelsea winger could potentially face a ban of up to four years due to the performance-enhancing nature of the drug.
Mudryk is believed to have had meldonium in his system.
Meldonium, also referred to as mildronate, acts as a metabolic modulator akin to insulin and is commonly used in Eastern Europe.
It is prescribed for heart disease but is also considered to help athletes withstand increased stress, utilize oxygen better, and recover energy levels rapidly.
Meldonium was added to the banned list by the World Anti-Doping Agency in January 2016 after it was frequently detected at the 2015 European Games in Baku.
Shortly thereafter, former tennis world No.1 Maria Sharapova was given a two-year suspension by the International Tennis Federation, which was reduced to 15 months upon appeal.
Sharapova had been using the drug for a decade for health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.
In 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin also tested positive for meldonium prior to his fight against heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
