Mykhailo Mudryk has urged Chelsea fans 'don't give up on me' as the suspended star hinted at a return, as he awaits a verdict in his doping case.
The 24-year-old - who joined the Blues in a £88m deal in January 2023 - has not featured since a Europa Conference League match on November 28 in 2024.
Mudryk was provisionally suspended that December following a positive test for a banned substance, with the Ukrainian officially charged in June 2025.
Reports in Ukraine that the substance is meldonium are understood by Daily Mail Sport to be correct.
He has maintained a low profile since denying any wrongdoing in an official statement while also sporadically posting updates on social media.
Mudryk has shared a latest update to fans in a New Year's message on social media, where he urged them not to give up on him.
'Happy New year to all my fans,' Mudryk wrote.
'I just wanted to say thank you for your support.
'I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me as I not give up on myself.
'Can't wait to see you soon.'
Mudryk could face up to a four-year ban should the doping charge be proven.
There is currently no clarity on when Mudryk's case will be concluded.
An update was provided by World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka back in November.
'First of all, we are waiting for a disciplinary decision in his case (from the Football Association of England). As of today, we do not know when it will come,' Banka said.
'Then, according to the anti-doping code, we will request the player's documentation and will decide whether we agree with this disciplinary decision.
'We can appeal in two cases: if we consider the decision too harsh or too lenient.'
In a message to his followers on Instagram after his provisional ban, Mudryk posted: 'I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.
'This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
'I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.'