Xabi Alonso on Mykhailo Mudryk's Gradual Return to Chelsea After Suspension

Xabi Alonso Welcomes Mykhailo Mudryk Back to Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed his happiness about Mykhailo Mudryk rejoining the squad but emphasized that it is still too early to gauge the winger's current form or fitness.

The 25-year-old Ukrainian will be part of Chelsea's upcoming pre-season tour after settling his doping case with the Football Association (FA). Mudryk has been sidelined since November 2024 due to a provisional suspension following an adverse test for meldonium, a banned substance.

Resolution of Anti-Doping Case

The FA concluded its investigation after Mudryk admitted to violating anti-doping regulations and accepted a suspension equivalent to the one year and eight months he has already served.

Following Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to 10-man Tottenham in a friendly held in Sydney, Alonso confirmed that Mudryk would join the team for their next pre-season stop in Hong Kong. “Yes, he is coming to Hong Kong, but I haven’t spoken to him yet,” Alonso said.

“It’s too early to tell how he is in terms of fitness, in terms of the game time you need to be involved again, so it’s still too early to tell.”“We are happy for him, especially for him, because we probably don’t fully understand what he has been through during this time or how he feels now after everything he had to cope with.”

Training and Fitness Challenges

During his suspension, Mudryk was unable to train at Chelsea’s facilities or with club staff. Instead, he worked with a private coach and goalkeepers, conducting sessions at non-league side Uxbridge.

“He trained on his own every day, which must have been really tough because he wanted to play football and be part of a team, but he couldn’t for such a long time,” Alonso remarked.“We expect that it will take time. Once he is with us, we will see how things develop, whether progress is quicker or slower. We want him to feel part of the team.”

Competition for Places on the Wings

Alonso acknowledged that Mudryk’s return was unexpected, as Chelsea have already assembled several alternatives for the wing positions, including Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Geovany Quenda. Both Cole Palmer and new £117m signing Morgan Rogers can also operate on the flanks.

“Honestly, we were not expecting to get this great news right now,” Alonso admitted.

Roberto de Zerbi Comments on Mudryk

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi, who previously managed Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, spoke warmly of the player after Spurs’ win at Accor Stadium.

“He is like a son to me. I’m very happy for him. He deserves to play,” De Zerbi said.“He is a great person and a talented player. I hope this next season shows what he endured over the past two years. Maybe not in the Tottenham game, but he’s a lovely guy and a very good player.”“I thank all my former players for what they gave me, especially Misha, because I left that club because of the war, not football, even though it was probably the highest level I have coached.”

Alonso Recalls Mudryk’s Potential

Alonso added, “I remember watching him at Shakhtar, the impact he had — how quick and effective he was in one-on-one situations, and how he could create chances by himself. He’s a special player but will definitely need time.”