'We are all upset' - Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk's positive drugs test as Chelsea boss makes his 'duty' clear

Maresca has revealed that players and staff at Chelsea are all upset at the news that Mudryk has returned a positive drugs test and been provisionally suspended from all forms of football. The forward is now facing a potential four-year ban, and the Chelsea boss has pledged to support the Ukrainian star through this difficult time.

He told reporters: "We are all upset, sad and we are there to support Mykhailo. I spoke with him days ago. At the moment he can't train. We are waiting but as I say, the club are there ready to support the player with all the aspects he needs. It's not the first time that something like this has happened. It has already happened in the past. I think they know exactly what they have to do and this is the reason that we trust and support Mykhailo.

"First of all, these kind of things not only happen to young players but players with experience. It is my duty since we started that I try and have a relationship with players quite close because I like it that way. With Mudryk it is exactly the same and I am here to help him in anything he needs. At this moment it is normal that he is going to need help from the club, from me and from his teammates and we are all there trying to support him."

Chelsea are now awaiting the return of a 'B' sample before finding out what will happen to Mudryk. The forward's Chelsea career does appear to be hanging by a thread at the moment, but Maresca has backed Mudryk to come back no matter the outcome. He added: "I think he will come back. The only thing is we don't know when, that's the only doubt we have at the moment. For sure he is going to come back."

Mudryk is still only 23 and is signed to a lengthy contract at Chelsea that runs until 2031. Time is on his side, if he does indeed receive a significant ban, while he may also take encouragement from Paul Pogba, who has recently seen a four-year doping suspension reduced to 18 months.