Enzo Maresca was left blindsided by Mykhailo Mudryk’s appearance in Wroclaw ahead of the Conference League final, with the Chelsea boss admitting he had no idea the winger was making the trip.
Mudryk has been provisionally suspended since December after testing positive for a banned substance, reported to be meldonium.
The Ukrainian has always denied deliberately taking a banned substance and was awaiting the results of a ‘B’ sample.
There has been no further update since the adverse finding was initially made public but if found guilty, Mudryk could face a lengthy ban.
The 24-year-old last played for Chelsea in late November and has largely kept out of the public eye since, but was photographed with supporters in a steakhouse in Wroclaw on Tuesday afternoon while wearing club attire.
It is understood that Mudryk did not travel to the Polish city with the Chelsea squad, who arrived later on Tuesday, but it is not known whether he is staying at the team hotel or whether the club paid for his travel.
Asked about Mudryk’s appearance in his pre-match press conference, Maresca was visibly confused and initially lost for words.
“To be honest, I just, I don’t know…” the Italian said. “He is here or he is coming? He’s here? I’m happy for Misha [Mudryk] to be here.”
Mudryk made four appearances during the Conference League group stage, scoring three goals and registering three assists, and also featured in both qualifying games against Servette back in August.
Under Uefa rules he is therefore eligible to receive a medal should Chelsea beat Real Betis, but it is unclear at this stage whether he will attend the final in person or be allowed onto the pitch for the post-game presentations.
