Mykhailo Mudryk is in line to make his long-awaited return to action after Chelsea included the Ukrainian winger in their squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, ending a 20-month absence from football.
The 25-year-old has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024 after being provisionally suspended following an adverse test for the banned substance meldonium. Last week, however, he was cleared to resume playing after concluding proceedings with the Football Association, paving the way for his return to first-team football.
New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Mudryk is available for selection, although the winger is not yet expected to complete a full match as he continues to build fitness after his lengthy layoff.
Supporters welcomed Mudryk enthusiastically during Chelsea’s open training session at Kai Tak Stadium, applauding as he appeared on the stadium’s giant screen before he joined teammates for warm-ups. He took part in possession exercises, set-piece drills under newly appointed coach Austin MacPhee and attacking sessions overseen by Alonso, working alongside the squad without apparent limitations.
Mudryk only arrived in Hong Kong shortly before training, travelling with fellow Chelsea players Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Geovany Quenda, Pedro Neto and new signing Danny Welbeck following confirmation that he was eligible to play again.
Sources close to the player say he was relieved and excited to rejoin the Chelsea dressing room after almost two years away. During his suspension, the club continued monitoring his physical and mental condition while several teammates maintained regular contact to support him.
Determined to remain ready for a return, Mudryk reportedly trained extensively throughout his suspension. He worked with a private coach, arranged practice sessions with goalkeepers and outfield players at Honeycroft Stadium, home of Uxbridge FC, and completed a summer training camp in Austria to ensure he could immediately resume professional football if cleared.
His approval to return reportedly arrived sooner than expected, following discussions involving his legal representatives and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Since rejoining the squad, Mudryk has quickly reintegrated with teammates both on and off the pitch, including taking part in team activities at the club’s hotel.
Chelsea will now use an initial two-week assessment period to evaluate how the winger adapts after his extended absence before deciding on the next step in his career.
Several clubs are already monitoring the situation. Chelsea have received loan enquiries from three Premier League sides, including Coventry City, managed by former Blues boss Frank Lampard, while at least three overseas clubs have also expressed interest. Italian teams are understood to be particularly keen, and Strasbourg remains another possible destination, although Chelsea’s sister club may have limited room for another loan arrival.
A decision on Mudryk’s future is expected before the transfer window closes on 1 September. Despite the external interest, Chelsea have not ruled out any option as Alonso and the club continue assessing the player’s readiness after one of the longest absences of his career.