Chelsea Winger Mudryk Cleared For Friendly Action After 20-Month Doping Ban

Mykhailo Mudryk is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch Wednesday in a friendly against Juventus, following a 20-month suspension for a positive meldonium test.

The 25-year-old Ukraine international, who has not played competitively since November 2024, was named in Chelsea’s squad for the Hong Kong exhibition match after resolving his case with the Football Association last week.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Mudryk is match-ready, though likely not for a full 90 minutes. “He can be selected,” Alonso said. “He trained yesterday, came directly from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about the feelings, more about the emotions, to be back with the players to assess the fitness level.”

Mudryk received a warm reception at Chelsea’s open training session at Kai Tak Stadium, where the PA system played Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” as he warmed up. He participated fully in possession drills and set-piece work under new coach Austin MacPhee.

The winger has maintained his fitness throughout the ban with a private coach, including a summer training camp in Austria, and has hired goalkeepers and outfield players for practice sessions at Uxbridge FC’s Honeycroft Stadium.

His clearance came as a surprise to both the player and club, following discussions between his legal team and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Chelsea have received loan inquiries from three Premier League clubs—including Frank Lampard’s Coventry City—and at least three overseas sides, with strong Italian interest. A potential move to sister club Strasbourg is also possible, though that would occupy Chelsea’s final domestic loan slot.

The club and Mudryk’s representatives have entered a two-week assessment period to evaluate his adaptation to elite football, with a decision on his future expected before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Mudryk, who has five years remaining on his Chelsea contract through 2031, is understood to be delighted with the club’s support during his absence.