Mudryk could make Strasbourg transfer with Chelsea future unclear after drugs ban

Suraj Radia

16 Mar 2026 18:17 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea could send Mykhailo Mudryk on loan to affiliate club Strasbourg in an attempt to get the forward’s career back on track after he returns from his suspension.

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Mudryk has not played football since November 2024 after testing positive for the forbidden substance meldonium, which led to the FA confirming a charge and a provisional ban in June 2025, although the Ukrainian’s formal suspension has yet to be confirmed.

Current ETV

Mykhaylo Mudryk

F, M (L)

Chelsea

Mykhaylo Mudryk

F, M (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€34M - €41.6M

The 25-year-old has been left in limbo since and has pleaded innocence, with Chelsea also remaining supportive of the winger despite him not being allowed to train with the club during his ban, although L'Equipe have revealed that the Blues' stance could change if a formal punishment is confirmed.

"We can wonder if this support might change depending on certain circumstances," a source is quoted as saying, with suggestions that a resolution could be reached in the coming months, including a ban of up to four years until 2029, at which point Mudryk will have two years remaining on his contract at Chelsea.

Should Mudryk be cleared of any wrongdoing, a loan to Strasbourg was mooted by the same source, who said: "He would surely have the humility to accept this challenge after almost two years without playing, if he were offered a loan."

Mudryk hoping for Pogba-esque resolution after lack of clarity over suspension

Mudryk is understood to have tested positive for the banned substance while on international break with Ukraine in November 2024, having had treatment on a minor injury.

A urine test was then followed up by initial analysis of a ‘B’ sample, although there has not been official confirmation on the final results, which Mudryk is believed to be holding out for.

© IMAGO - Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since November 2024.

Mudryk has recruited the same law firm that helped reduce a similar ban for Paul Pogba down from four years to 18 months but all parties have been left in the dark until a resolution has been reached.

Since his time away from football, Mudryk has endured a number of intriguing stories in his personal life, such as a driving ban and a suspension from an online game, as well as training with a non-league side in order to maintain his fitness.

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