Chelsea is set to receive several reinforcements during their pre-season preparations, including Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been cleared to return to football. The Ukraine international arrived in Hong Kong on Monday, joining Danny Welbeck as the squad prepares for upcoming fixtures.
Mudryk, who is 25 years old, had not featured for the Blues since November 2024 due to anti-doping proceedings. However, the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency have confirmed that these proceedings are now resolved, allowing him to return to play. Manager Xabi Alonso emphasized the need for patience with Mudryk, acknowledging the challenges he has faced.
Squad reinforcements and manager’s outlook
Manager Xabi Alonso expressed happiness for Mudryk, noting the difficult period the player has endured while training alone. Alonso highlighted the importance of Mudryk feeling part of the team again and stated that while his return to previous form will take time, the change in his situation is significant.
Alonso recalled watching Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, admiring his impact, his ability in one-on-one situations, and his capacity to create opportunities. Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 and made 73 appearances, scoring ten goals, before his temporary halt from the sport.
In addition to Mudryk and Welbeck, winger Geovany Quenda, who joined from Sporting, has also arrived. Goalkeeper Mike Penders has also joined the team, with Alonso indicating an open competition for the number-one shirt alongside Robert Sanchez.
Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson were late arrivals to the pre-season tour. They were not part of the squad for the 2-1 defeat against Tottenham on Saturday. Alonso confirmed that both Caicedo and Jackson are expected to play against Juventus.
The involvement of other late arrivals will be assessed before Chelsea plays against AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim next weekend.
Mudryk’s return and potential loan
While Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to football, there is a perspective that his full return to the field might not be immediate. Journalist Kaveh Solhekol suggested on August 1 that Mudryk may have a considerable path ahead to regain match fitness, having not played or trained properly for an extended period.
Despite the time away, Solhekol noted that Mudryk has maintained good physical condition, training independently with coaches and even hired goalkeepers. He trained at a facility of a West London club not in the Premier League, as he was not permitted to train at Chelsea’s own facility.
Solhekol also suggested that Mudryk might need a loan spell before fully returning to Chelsea, emphasizing that the player, who was a significant signing for the club, still has much to prove. Mudryk’s suspension followed a positive doping sample for meldonium in December 2024, which led to a ban from football.
The appeal against the ban was under review when the World Anti-Doping Agency updated its technical guidance on meldonium. The concentration of the substance found in Mudryk’s sample would not be considered a violation under the updated rules, leading to an agreement between the FA, Mudryk, and WADA to end the appeal proceedings.
Source: bbc.com
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