Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has stated that the club has not yet decided on the future of winger Mykhailo Mudryk following the player's return from a doping suspension. Mudryk, a Ukrainian international, was banned for four years after failing a drug test in 2024 but successfully appealed the ruling, allowing him to resume playing last week.

Alonso spoke ahead of Chelsea's friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, emphasizing the need to prioritize Mudryk's reintegration into the team dynamic. "No decision made," Alonso said when asked about potential loan moves or permanent transfers for the 25-year-old. "Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is that we were thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of the team. And we need to assess, but for sure... it is a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive."

Mudryk has not played competitively since November 2024. His suspension followed a positive test for meldonium, a prohibited substance, but rule changes mean the same result today would not lead to sanctions. Alonso confirmed Mudryk could participate in the upcoming friendly against Juventus, though playing a full match might be premature.

During an open training session at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium, Mudryk impressed fans by scoring in a drill, receiving enthusiastic applause.

Other Chelsea Updates

  • Alonso also expressed optimism about new signing Jordan Henderson, who recently joined from Brentford but is recovering from a broken arm sustained during the World Cup.
  • The club has shifted from its previous focus on young talent, now signing experienced players like Henderson (36) and Danny Welbeck (35).
  • Chelsea's preseason tour includes matches in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and a final warm-up at home against Real Sociedad before the Premier League season opener against Fulham on August 24.

Juventus Preseason

Juventus, Chelsea's next preseason opponent, have strengthened their squad with the signings of Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic and French striker Randal Kolo Muani. Manager Luciano Spalletti expressed confidence in the new additions as the club aims to improve on last season's sixth-place Serie A finish.