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.