Xabi Alonso on Mykhailo Mudryk's Gradual Return to Chelsea

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's manager, expressed his pleasure at seeing Mykhailo Mudryk rejoin the squad, though he emphasized that it is premature to predict what the winger can offer after a long absence.

The 25-year-old Ukrainian player, who had been sidelined since November 2024 due to a doping suspension related to meldonium, will now be part of Chelsea's pre-season tour following resolution of his case with the Football Association (FA).

Details of Mudryk's Suspension and Return

Mudryk accepted responsibility for breaching anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension matching the one year and eight months already served. As a result, the FA has concluded its proceedings against him.

After Chelsea's 2-1 friendly loss to Tottenham in Sydney, Alonso confirmed Mudryk's inclusion in the next phase of pre-season preparations in Hong Kong but mentioned he had yet to speak directly with the player.

"It's too early to tell how he is in terms of fitness and game time involvement," Alonso said. "We are happy for him, especially considering what he has endured during this period."

Training Challenges During Suspension

During his suspension, Mudryk was unable to train with Chelsea’s staff or use club facilities. Instead, he worked privately with his own coach and goalkeeper trainers, holding sessions at non-league side Uxbridge.

Alonso highlighted the difficulty of this isolation: "He trained alone every day. It must have been really hard because he wanted to play football and be part of a team but was prevented from doing so for such a long time." The manager expects the process to take some time as Mudryk reintegrates.

Competition for Places on Chelsea's Wings

Despite Mudryk’s return being unexpected, Chelsea has built a deep squad with many options for wing positions. Players like Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Geovany Quenda provide alternatives, while Cole Palmer and new £117 million signing Morgan Rogers can also operate on the flanks.

Alonso admitted, "Honestly, we weren't expecting such good news at this moment."

Support from Roberto de Zerbi

Tottenham’s manager, Roberto de Zerbi, who previously coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the 2022 Russian invasion, expressed support for the player.

"He is like a son to me. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to play. He's a great guy and a talented player," De Zerbi said. "I hope he can demonstrate, in the coming season, what he has endured over the last two years."

Alonso Reflects on Mudryk's Abilities

Alonso recalled watching Mudryk's impact at Shakhtar, noting his speed, skill in one-on-one situations, and ability to create chances independently.

"He's a special player, but he will definitely need time to get back up to speed," Alonso added.