Mudryk appears in Wroclaw on eve of Chelsea’s final
Mykhailo Mudryk turned up in Wroclaw on Tuesday, just a day before Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, surprising fans and, apparently, his own head coach. The suspended winger was seen at a steak restaurant in the city, wearing Chelsea gear and stopping for photos with supporters.
The 23-year-old Ukraine international has been out since November and remains provisionally suspended by the Football Association following a reported failed doping test in December. He has not featured under Enzo Maresca, who looked genuinely taken aback when told Mudryk was in Poland. “He is here? I don’t know,” Maresca said when asked after training, making clear the trip was not part of any club plan.
Chelsea arrived in Wroclaw focused on a European trophy that would cap a turbulent season with silverware. Seeing Mudryk in the same city—while unable to play—added a strange twist. For fans who bumped into him, it was a moment of warmth before a tense night. For the club, it underlined an awkward reality: one of their most expensive signings is in limbo, present but not involved.
Mudryk’s visit isn’t a breach in itself. Suspended players can travel privately and support their teams from the stands. But the sight of him posing with fans in club colours the day before a final naturally drew attention. It also raised the question: what, if anything, does this say about his standing at Chelsea while the case drags on?
Suspension context, Chelsea’s stance, and what comes next
Under FA anti-doping rules, a provisional suspension follows an adverse finding while a case is assessed. That process typically includes a review of the sample, the option to test a B sample, and a hearing. Timeframes vary widely depending on the substance involved and the evidence. Until there’s a decision, a player cannot take part in competitive matches.
Clubs usually keep their distance in public during these cases, and Chelsea have done just that. There has been no fresh statement from the hierarchy, and Maresca’s reaction suggests the coaching staff were not involved in Mudryk’s travel plans. Internally, the club’s legal and medical teams will be working within the FA process while keeping the player on a structured training and welfare program.
For Mudryk, the uncertainty is heavy. He joined for £88.5 million with huge expectations and electric pace that lit up his early appearances. The stop-start rhythm since then, and now a suspension, has reshaped his Chelsea story. Seeing him among supporters in Wroclaw hints at a player who still wants to be close to the squad, even if he cannot be part of matchday operations.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s focus is the final. Wroclaw, a lively football city in southwestern Poland, has leaned into hosting duties with fan zones and a strong traveling support expected from both clubs. Real Betis bring a high-tempo style and a dangerous front line, while Chelsea’s youthful core has grown under Maresca’s possession-heavy approach. The Blues have had to balance a thin margin for error with the pressure to deliver a trophy that also builds momentum before next season.
One decision already made for 2025/26: Cole Palmer will wear the No 10 shirt, taking over the number previously linked to Mudryk. The switch, starting from the FIFA Club World Cup, speaks to Palmer’s rise as the team’s creative heartbeat. Shirt numbers are more than marketing at a club like Chelsea—they signal who carries the load.
How does the suspension impact the broader plan? In practical terms, it complicates squad building. Chelsea need clarity to plan minutes, roles, and recruitment. If Mudryk returns, they must reintegrate a high-ceiling winger. If the case leads to a longer absence, they’ll need cover and continuity in wide areas. For now, everything hinges on the FA’s process.
What can a provisional suspension look like day to day? Typically:
- No participation in competitive fixtures.
- Training arrangements agreed with the club and within regulatory guidance.
- Ongoing testing and compliance with anti-doping checks.
- Limited public comment while the case is active.
Fans in Wroclaw didn’t see the legal tangle. They saw a Chelsea player smiling for photos, wearing the badge, turning a tense week into a brief, human moment. Whether that moment becomes a footnote or the start of a long road back depends on a process that rarely moves as fast as modern football demands.