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Mudryk Back After 20-Month Absence
Mykhailo Mudryk has taken a major step towards reviving his football career after returning to Chelsea training following a 20-month absence, with manager Xabi Alonso welcoming the winger back while admitting patience will be needed before he is ready to compete again.
The 25-year-old has joined Chelsea’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong after reaching an agreement with the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), bringing an end to one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Mykhailo Mudryk Cleared to Play for Chelsea After Doping Case Settled
Mudryk had not featured for Chelsea since November 2024 after testing positive for Meldonium, a banned substance that can aid recovery and endurance. Although the Football Association initially imposed a four-year suspension, changes to WADA’s technical guidelines regarding low concentrations of the substance ultimately paved the way for his return.
Alonso Delighted to Welcome Winger Back
Speaking during Chelsea’s tour of Asia, Alonso expressed his delight at Mudryk’s return, while acknowledging the emotional and physical challenges the Ukrainian has faced after training alone for nearly two years.
“We are happy for him, especially for him,” Alonso said. “People probably don’t understand what he has been through. We want him to feel part of the team again because he has the support of everyone at the club.”
The Spaniard also stressed that Mudryk will require time to regain full fitness and sharpness after such a lengthy spell away from competitive football.
Alonso revealed he has admired the winger since his breakthrough at Shakhtar Donetsk, praising his pace, dribbling ability and creativity in one-on-one situations.
“I remember watching him at Shakhtar. He’s a special player who can create chances on his own, but it will take time before we see the best version of him again,” the Chelsea boss added.
Competition for Places Has Increased
Chelsea have changed significantly since Mudryk last played. Several managers have come and gone, while the club’s attacking options have also evolved.
Former competitors Jadon Sancho and João Félix have departed, but new arrivals Jamie Gittens and record signing Morgan Rogers have strengthened Chelsea’s options on the left wing, making regular first-team opportunities far more difficult to secure.
Mudryk scored 10 goals in 73 appearances after arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £89 million, but he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter before his suspension.
Loan Move Remains a Possibility
Despite Alonso’s positive comments, Mudryk’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.
Reports suggest several Premier League clubs, including Frank Lampard’s newly promoted Coventry City, have expressed interest in signing the winger. Chelsea are unlikely to sanction a permanent sale given his reduced market value following his lengthy absence, but a loan move remains a realistic option.
A temporary switch would allow Mudryk to rebuild his fitness, regain confidence and play regular football while increasing his value before returning to Chelsea. Another possibility could be a move to sister club Strasbourg, where he would have an opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
For now, however, Mudryk’s immediate focus is convincing Alonso he can still play an important role in Chelsea’s new era. His return marks a fresh beginning, but whether that future lies at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere could be decided before the transfer window closes.