Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to find a novel way to keep fit during his time away from the first team by bench pressing his new girlfriend on social media.
The Ukraine international has been sidelined since November 2024 after returning a positive drug test for banned substance meldonium.
In the year-and-a-half since, Mudryk – who was charged by the FA last June – has been unable to take part in training with Liam Rosenior’s squad at Chelsea’s training ground.
But while training on the pitch at semi-professional side Uxbridge FC, as the winger did last month, may have been somewhat of a change of scenery from the manicured grounds at Cobham, his latest move seemed even more unorthodox.
Influencer Jordyn Jones shared a video of the 25-year-old using her as a weight in a private gym, simply captioning the video with three biting-lip emojis.
Mudryk seemed unruffled by the challenge as he lifted the former child star with ease, and later replied to the post with the sweet message: ‘M & J (gift-wrapped heart)’.
It is unclear when Mudryk and Jones began dating, but the latter has frequently shared pictures of herself dressed in Chelsea merchandise and jerseys despite being unable to watch her boyfriend from the stands.
Eagle-eyed social media users noted that Mudryk had left a number of romantic messages in Jones’ comments section on her Instagram profile in 2025.
The UEFA Conference League winner also invited Jones to Disneyland before the pair appeared to have connected in person, with the couple later seemingly visiting the Parisian amusement park together.
Jones shared a screenshot of the initial invitation to her Instagram Stories, captioning the request ‘6 months ago vs’ – before posting a picture of herself at the gates with the message: ‘fast forward six months (princess emoji). I’m glad I unblocked you (Mudryk’s profile tagged)’.
In a carousel of photographs shared by Jones in January and geotagged to London, the California-based influencer included a screenshot of a TikTok showing an airplane window and the message ‘Took a flight. Changed by life for the better. 10/10 wouldn’t change a thing’, also appearing to allude to a potential relationship with the footballer.
By contrast, Mudryk has largely maintained a low profile since his doping charge, only posting sporadic updates to his followers on social media.
Addressing his fans at New Year, the former Shahktar Donetsk winger 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 do not give up on myself. Can’t wait to see you soon.’
Mudryk, who could face up to a four-year ban should the doping charge be proven, was also part of Chelsea’s Conference League title party last summer.
At this stage there is currently no clarity on when his case will be concluded.
