Mudryk Chelsea return will take time – Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Mykhailo Mudryk’s return to the squad will require patience after the winger’s anti-doping case was resolved. Mudryk will join the club’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong, but Alonso said it is too soon to assess his fitness or readiness for competitive football after a lengthy absence.
The 25-year-old has not played since November 2024, having served one year and eight months after an adverse finding for meldonium; the FA ended proceedings after he accepted a breach. Unable to train with Chelsea during that period, he worked privately and at non-league Uxbridge, while Chelsea recruited several wing options including £117m signing Morgan Rogers. Alonso and former Shakhtar manager Roberto de Zerbi both praised Mudryk’s ability and expressed hope that he can rebuild his career.
- Mudryk rejoins Chelsea after his anti-doping case ended.
- Alonso says the winger will need time to regain fitness.
- Mudryk last played competitively in November 2024.
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Mykhailo Mudryk is a Ukrainian winger who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023. Chelsea are one of England’s leading football clubs, and wingers like Mudryk are expected to help create chances and score goals.
Mudryk has been away from competitive football since November 2024 while the Football Association dealt with an anti-doping case involving meldonium. He accepted a breach, and the FA ended the proceedings; during his absence, he could not train with Chelsea and worked privately and with non-league club Uxbridge.
Chelsea have added other wide players since then, so Mudryk will need to regain fitness and compete for a place. His return matters because it could shape both his future at the club and the options available to the manager.