Chelsea undecided on Mudryk's future as player returns from doping ban

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that no decision has been made regarding the future of winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukraine international is set to return to action after serving a lengthy suspension for a doping violation, having last played for Chelsea in November 2024. He was cleared to resume playing on Friday following disciplinary proceedings concluded by the English Football Association in agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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No decision has been made. Everything has happened so quickly.

Alonso expressed delight at Mudryk's return, emphasizing the club's priority was his reintegration into the team dynamic. "The main thing was thinking about the person and making him feel he was back in the group dynamic and part of the team," Alonso told reporters. He acknowledged Mudryk is a "special player" and a "special case," requiring a sensitive approach. The manager noted the player's visible happiness at being back with his teammates after a long period of training alone.

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The main thing was thinking about the ⁠person and making him feel he was back in the group dynamic and part of the team. We need to assess the situation, but he’s a special player and it’s a special case, so we need to be sensitive.

Assessing Mudryk's fitness level remains a key focus, though Alonso stated the player has been working hard. The immediate goal is to integrate him back into team activities, including passing and tactical play. Chelsea, who signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for an initial fee of £62 million, are preparing for the Premier League season, which begins on August 24 against Fulham. Alonso also commented on the intense football calendar, noting the limited rest period available to players, especially those who participated in the World Cup.

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We are thrilled that Mudryk is back with us. You could see his smile and how much it meant to him to be part of the team again because he’s spent a long time training on his own.

Chelsea will play Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The club's readiness for the upcoming Premier League season is underscored by Alonso's comments on the demanding schedule, where players often have less rest than recommended due to international competitions like the World Cup. The focus, however, remains on the immediate task of preparing the squad, including the reintegration of Mudryk.

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The calendar is really intense, really demanding, and they probably deserve more, but we ⁠need to get ready for the competition. There is not much time to waste.