Testing time

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CHELSEA striker Adrian Mutu is back in London following newspaper allegations that he tested positive during a random drug test in September.

"Mutu is in London -- he spent a couple of days in Italy but he has returned to the English capital," said one of his representatives Andrea Pretti. "We are awaiting the counter-analysis and until then we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

The Football Association and Chelsea have both declined to comment.

Pretti added: "We don't think it will take long for things to happen, possibly a couple of days.

"You can imagine how the player feels. He already had technical problems at Chelsea and now this has just made it even worse."

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said he was disappointed Mutu's name had been linked with the allegation. "We have been aware for a short time there had been a positive test because we work with the FA on drug-testing procedure but this is a breach of confidentiality," Taylor said.

"It has all got to be confidential and I don't want people to jump to conclusions. There needs to be a proper hearing and a second test.

"I have been in contact with the player but it would be wrong to say what he thinks. It is up to the agent to say what he thinks but from our point of view we are very keen to have confidentiality before we have had a hearing."

Mutu, 25, could face a two-year ban from the game if an alleged positive result is confirmed by a follow-up test.

Mutu's Chelsea future had been looking bleak after a series of disagreements with coach Jose Mourinho.

Mutu's agent Victor Becali told the Daily Star : "After I heard the story I called Mutu and he was absolutely shocked.

"Chelsea have their own interests in selling Mutu. I have heard that this is not a recent test. I think it was done in September."

Chelsea were looking to offload Mutu, a ¨15.8m signing from Parma last season, after a disappointing run of form.

He scored six goals in his first five games after arriving at Stamford Bridge but his performances quickly went into decline and he has been frozen out by Mourinho.