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Mykhailo Mudryk makes first Chelsea outing since doping suspension was lifted
Rohan Mehta | August 6, 2026 8:03 AM CST

Mykhailo Mudryk made his first appearance for Chelsea in 20 months when he came off the bench in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Juventus.

The Ukrainian last featured in a competitive match in November 2024, when he found the net in a Conference League victory over Heidenheim.

A few days later, the Ukraine international was suspended after returning a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.

That was followed by a lengthy process as he fought to clear his name, before the 25-year-old was given permission by the Football Association last week to play again.

Mudryk then travelled to Hong Kong to link up with the rest of the Chelsea squad on their Asia tour, alongside new signing Danny Welbeck, who was in the starting line-up against Juve.

Mudryk was brought on in the 82nd minute and wore the No. 43 shirt. He replaced Nicolas Jackson, who had been introduced at half-time and made a strong impression.

It is still unclear whether Mudryk will have a part to play for Chelsea this season, with reports suggesting the club could consider sending him out on loan.

When asked about Mudryk’s future last week, manager Xabi Alonso said: "No decision has been made. Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of a team, and we need to assess [how he is doing].

"But for sure, he's a special player. It's a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive."

Mudryk, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a move worth up to £89million, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for Chelsea. He still has five years remaining on his contract.


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