Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his support for Mykhailo Mudryk following the outcome of a doping test.

**Maresca Insists Chelsea Not Ready for Title Challenge Despite Progress Against Liverpool**

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that, despite recent improvements, the club is “not ready to compete for the title.” This statement comes in the wake of Chelsea’s efforts to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. Maresca’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges the team faces as they strive for greater consistency and success in the league.

In a separate but equally pressing matter, Maresca has expressed unwavering support for Mykhailo Mudryk following the player’s provisional suspension due to an adverse result from a urine test. The Ukrainian winger is currently sidelined from all football activities as investigations continue into the test results. This situation adds another layer of complexity to Chelsea’s season, as they navigate both on-field performance and off-field controversies.

Mudryk faces the possibility of a ban of up to four years if found guilty of using a banned substance. However, the player has vehemently denied any intentional wrongdoing, asserting that he did not knowingly consume any prohibited substances. His absence has been felt on the pitch, as he has not featured in Chelsea’s last five matches, with the club citing illness as the reason for his unavailability.

The 22-year-old will not be part of the squad for Chelsea’s upcoming UEFA Conference League clash against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. This match represents another opportunity for Chelsea to showcase their talent, albeit without one of their key players.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Maresca addressed the situation, stating, “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.” His comments reflect a strong sense of solidarity within the club, emphasizing the importance of standing by their players during difficult times.

When pressed on whether he believes Mudryk is innocent, Maresca responded, “We all believe that, then we’ll see.” This statement underscores the club’s commitment to supporting Mudryk while also acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the investigation. Maresca reiterated, “We trust Mykhailo, and we support him,” reinforcing the message of unity within the team.

A potential four-year ban would undoubtedly be a significant setback for Mudryk, who has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI since his £89 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. However, Maresca remains optimistic about the player’s future at Stamford Bridge, stating, “I don’t think so. 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.”

As Chelsea navigates these challenges, the focus remains on their performance on the pitch, with the hope that they can continue to improve and eventually mount a serious title challenge in the future. The club’s resilience and determination will be crucial as they work to overcome both internal and external obstacles in the coming months.