Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that winger Mykhailo Mudryk is in contention to make his first appearance for the club in 20 months on Wednesday. The Ukrainian international is set to be included in the squad for a pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, his first match since a suspension following a doping violation.
Mudryk participated in an open training session with his teammates at Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, where he received a significant ovation from local fans when shown on the big screen. The 25-year-old has not played for Chelsea since November 2024, when he featured and scored in a Conference League match. He was subsequently suspended after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. His ban concluded this week after a resolution with the Football Association.
"Yes, he could play. Maybe 90 minutes is too early, but he can be selected. He's selected, so he can play," Alonso said from Hong Kong ahead of the Juventus match. "He trained yesterday, came directly from the airport to the hotel. So yesterday was more about the feelings, more about the emotions, to be back with the players to assess the fitness level."
Alonso added that the team is "thrilled that Misha could be with us." He noted Mudryk's visible smile and the positive feeling of being back with the squad, especially after a prolonged period of individual training. "We are happy he is back with the team and us," Alonso stated, emphasizing the need to assess his fitness and integrate him into the team's dynamics.
Multiple clubs, including Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, have reportedly inquired about Mudryk's availability on loan. However, Chelsea plans to evaluate the player during the pre-season tour before making any decisions, a stance that has been communicated to Mudryk. The club also confirmed the arrival of Austin MacPhee as their new set-piece specialist and that Danny Welbeck is available to face Juventus after signing from Brighton.