Chelsea Replace Doped Mudryk With Palmer for Club World Cup

Chelsea has reassigned the number 10 shirt to Cole Palmer ahead of the 2025/26 season and the upcoming Club World Cup, following the provisional suspension of Mykhailo Mudryk by the FA due to a positive test for the banned substance meldonium. Mudryk, who joined Chelsea for £89 million in January 2023, has not played since November 2024 and was stripped of the number 10 shirt without mention in the club's official statement. Palmer, who transferred from Manchester City in 2023 and has been wearing number 20, has been a key player for Chelsea, contributing significantly to their recent successes including the Conference League final victory. Additionally, Chelsea announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million, who will wear the number 9 shirt. Mudryk has maintained his innocence regarding the doping allegations and was seen supporting the team during their recent final despite his suspension. Chelsea's final squad numbers will be confirmed after the summer transfer window closes.