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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mudryk banned for failing drugs test</li><li>Made trip to Saudi Arabia for title fight</li><li>Maresca had no problem with his break</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Mykhailo Mudryk's trip to Saudi Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk's boxing victory against Tyson Fury defended by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with 'disconnect' explanation made amid doping scandal

Premier League

Chelsea

Wolverhampton

<p>The Ukrainian winger <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-mykhailo-mudryk-saudi-arabia-shock-provisional-drug-ban-oleksandr-usyk-tyson-fury/blt12e39f5ba0a02d82" target="_blank">travelled to the Middle East nation to watch his compatriot Usyk beat Fury in the heavyweight title fight</a> on Saturday. His voyage to Riyadh came just days after he was provisionally <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-winger-mykhailo-mudryk-suspended-football-positive-drugs-test/blt806dfe0a81fb7a04" target="_blank">suspended for failing a doping test</a>, with the 23-year-old <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/mykhailo-mudryk-catastrophic-drug-suspension-beginning-end-chelsea-career/blt4e1f1f2703192779" target="_blank">waiting to learn his fate</a> depending on the results from another sample.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Mudryk has missed eight games in a row for the Blues and head coach Maresca was asked for his thoughts on his decision to make the trip, but the Italian has said he has no problem with the ex-Shakhtar star's journey.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>He told reporters: "In this moment, it’s also good he can disconnect a little bit from the situation. The last time I spoke with him, we tried to support him. Now we are just waiting." </p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p>Mudryk's absence will continue for the time being and the Blues will have to do without him for their match against Fulham on December 26. Maresca's team are second in the table and four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND MUDRYK?

Mykhailo Mudryk's trip to Saudi Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk's boxing victory against Tyson Fury defended by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with 'disconnect' explanation made amid doping scandal | Goal.com

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has defended Mykhailo Mudryk&apos;s decision to fly to Saudi Arabia to watch the fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Mykhailo Mudryk&apos;s trip to Saudi Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk&apos;s boxing victory against Tyson Fury defended by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with &apos;disconnect&apos; explanation made amid doping scandal

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