Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk will be welcomed back to the squad in Hong Kong this week after winning his appeal against a four-year doping ban, according to manager Xabi Alonso. The Ukraine international was cleared on Friday to resume his career after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved his appeal against a failed 2024 drug test that revealed a low concentration of meldonium.
Manager Xabi Alonso Welcomes Mudryk Back to Chelsea Squad
Speaking in Sydney following a 2-1 pre-season defeat to Tottenham, Alonso stated that the club is thrilled with the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We are happy, especially for him, because we are not able to understand what he has been through in this time and how he feels at the moment,” Alonso said, according to team reports.
Alonso emphasized that the club, staff, and teammates are ready to offer total support to the 25-year-old winger. “We want that he feels part of the team, because he has not had this for a long time,” Alonso added. Mudryk is set to join the squad for the next leg of their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where Chelsea face Juventus on Wednesday.
Reintegration Process and Past Challenges
Despite the positive news, Alonso cautioned that bringing Mudryk back into regular competitive action will require patience. Mudryk has not played a professional match since November 2024, having spent months training entirely on his own following his suspension.
“It will take time,” Alonso noted regarding the physical and mental adjustment. “Once there’s a change, things will start moving, and for him, it’s a massive change training on his own every day. I think that had to be really, really hard because he wanted to play football.”
Did you know? Mykhailo Mudryk originally joined Chelsea from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a reported fee of £62 million ($83 million).
Former Manager Roberto De Zerbi Reacts to the News
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, expressed relief at the winger’s clearance. “He’s my son, he’s a cool guy, a top player,” De Zerbi said. The Italian manager voiced hope that the player can overcome the difficulties of the past two seasons.
Changes to World Anti-Doping Agency procedures during the appeal process meant that if Mudryk’s failed test were evaluated under current rules, charges would not have been brought against him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mykhailo Mudryk suspended?
Mudryk was suspended for four years after failing a 2024 drug test that detected a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance.
When is Mudryk returning to play for Chelsea?
Mudryk is rejoining the Chelsea squad this week in Hong Kong during their pre-season tour, though manager Xabi Alonso noted that his reintegration will be a gradual process.
Who managed Mudryk previously in Ukraine?
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi previously managed Mudryk during their time together at Shakhtar Donetsk.
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