LONDON — Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged by the Football Association for breaching anti-doping regulations after testing positive for a banned substance, reportedly meldonium, in a routine urine test last December.

The 24-year-old Ukrainian, suspended since November 28, has denied knowingly taking any illegal substances, calling the news a "complete shock." The FA confirmed the charge but declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Mudryk, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, could face a ban of up to four years under FA rules. Chelsea has conducted its own inquiry and had been awaiting confirmation from a 'B' sample test.

He has not featured for Chelsea since being an unused sub against Aston Villa on December 1. His squad number was recently handed to Cole Palmer, suggesting his time at Stamford Bridge may be nearing its end after an inconsistent run of just 10 goals in 73 appearances.