EPL: Mudryk needs time to regain match fitness, says Alonso

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that winger Mykhailo Mudryk will require time to regain full match fitness following his return to the club after a lengthy suspension related to a doping violation. The Ukrainian international is set to join the squad for the upcoming pre-season tour in Hong Kong, having resolved his disciplinary issues with the Football Association. Mudryk, who turned 25 earlier this year, has not played in a competitive match since November 2024 after being provisionally suspended due to an adverse analytical finding involving the banned substance meldonium. The FA completed its anti-doping process after Mudryk accepted responsibility for violating the rules and agreed to a suspension matching the duration he had already served, 13 months. This means he is now eligible to participate in matches again. Alonso addressed the situation after Chelsea's 2-1 pre-season loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney, expressing both relief at Mudryk's return and caution regarding his readiness for action. “I haven't spoken to him yet,” Alonso said, acknowledging that it was premature to assess Mudryk's current fitness level or the amount of game time needed before he can fully reintegrate into the team. “We are happy for him, especially for him, because we are probably not able to understand what he has been through during this time and how he feels at the moment with the things he has had to cope with.” During his suspension, Mudryk was prohibited from training with Chelsea's staff or using the club's facilities. To maintain his physical condition, he worked with a private coach and goalkeepers while training at non-league side Uxbridge. Alonso noted the difficulty of maintaining motivation and fitness under such circumstances. “We expect that it will take time,” Alonso added. “He trained on his own every day, and I think it had to be really, really hard because he wanted to play football, he wanted to be part of a team, and he was not allowed to do that for such a long time. Afterwards we will see if it’s quicker or slower, but we need to be aware of that. We want him to feel part of the team. Once he is with us, we will see how things develop.” The manager also expressed surprise at Mudryk's return, noting that the club had bolstered its attacking options in his absence. Current squad members include Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Geovany Quenda, along with midfielders Cole Palmer and newly signed Morgan Rogers, who arrived with a transfer fee of £117 million. These additions suggest that Mudryk's immediate impact might be limited, though his experience and skill could become valuable later in the season. Mudryk's eligibility to return came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upheld his appeal against a four-year doping ban. This decision reduced his suspension significantly, allowing him to rejoin the team sooner than anticipated. His return marks a significant step forward for both the player and the club, though the focus remains on ensuring he regains full fitness and integrates smoothly into the squad. Alonso emphasized the importance of patience and careful planning in Mudryk's comeback. The manager stressed that the club wants him to feel included and supported, recognizing the emotional and psychological challenges he may face after such a prolonged absence from competitive play. As the pre-season continues, the attention will shift toward monitoring his progress and determining the best approach for his gradual return to match action.