Enzo Maresca has admitted he had no idea Mykhailo Mudryk was in Poland for the Conference League final.
The Chelsea winger was pictured in his full club tracksuit ahead of their clash with Real Betis on Wednesday.
XMudryk was pictured in Poland ahead of the clash with Real Betis[/caption]
Mudryk is not available to play as he remains provisionally suspended following a failed drugs test.
However, the Ukrainian is eligible to receive a winners’ medal if the Blues beat Betis in Wroclaw.
It comes after he featured six times across the qualifying play-off and league phase, scoring three goals and adding four assists.
Mudryk has not featured since being suspended in December, though.
Ahead of the final, the 24-year-old was snapped in a Chelsea puffer jacket in the Polish city.
Although, he is not with the official team party, with Maresca unaware Mudryk had even travelled for the final.
Asked about his presence, the Italian told reporters: “Is he here or is he coming? I’m happy for Mischa to be here.
“I didn’t know, I just said that. But I’m happy for Mischa to be here.”
Mudryk has insisted his innocence following his positive drugs test for the banned substance Meldonium.
The Ukraine international has denied knowingly using any banned substances.
Having joined Chelsea on an eight-and-a-half year deal in January 2023, Mudryk’s contract still has six years remaining.
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, he has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 73 appearances.
Meanwhile, Maresca is looking ahead to the clash with Betis as he eyes a first piece of silverware with the club.
The former Leicester boss admitted he had to convince his players of the Conference League’s importance earlier in the season, though.
He explained: “Probably the most complicated thing this season about the Conference has been to convince the players that for us it was the best competition in the world.
“And the reason why was because it was the competition that we were in. So every game has been difficult, especially because I needed to convince the players that we were not able to drop nothing because you can lose points against any team.
“And we need to respect any team in Europe and any team that we face. And then I’m not focused about winning this competition or winning this trophy because my name, for sure I’m happy if we win, but I’m especially happy for the club, for the fans.
“And as you said, also because Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions.”
Chelsea will become the first club to win all four of UEFA’s major tournaments if they beat Betis, having previously won the Champions League, Europa League and Cup Winners’ Cup.
The Blues have already qualified for next season’s Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League this term.
