Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk could have tested positive for a banned substance as a result of a stem cell injection he received while on international duty with Ukraine, according to journalist Igor Burbas.
Mudryk, 24, was charged by the Football Association after failing a routine doping test last year. He has not featured for Chelsea since November and remains banned from training at Cobham while awaiting the outcome of his case.
Possible Explanation for Positive Test
Burbas claims that Mudryk underwent a stem cell procedure during a Ukraine training camp to help him recover from discomfort that was affecting his ability to play at full capacity.
According to reports shared by @scout_eurasia on X:
“To aid his recovery, he received a stem cell injection designed to promote tissue regeneration. It is reported that the stem cells were derived from a cow that may have been exposed to meldonium – a banned substance that was later detected in Mudryk’s sample.
The injection was administered by Igor Porobiya, the physiotherapist of the Ukrainian national team.”
The journalist suggests this procedure is the only unusual medical event Mudryk has undergone in the last 18 months, potentially offering a key clue in his defense.
Mudryk Maintains Innocence
The winger has consistently maintained his innocence and is believed to have even passed a lie detector test. Despite this, if found guilty, he could face a four-year ban from football.
His last appearance for Chelsea came in a 2-0 Conference League win over Heidenheim, where he scored. Since then, the club has reinforced the left wing position by signing Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, leaving Mudryk’s long-term future uncertain.
What Happens Next
Updates on the case have been scarce, leaving both Chelsea and Mudryk in limbo. While he is not permitted to train with the first team, the club has reportedly provided him with an individual fitness programme to keep him in shape during the suspension.
Chelsea fans will now be waiting anxiously to see whether this new revelation could help clear Mudryk’s name and allow him to return to action in 2025.
