Xabi Alonso Breaks Silence As Mudryk Returns To Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his delight over the return of winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is set to rejoin the club during its pre-season tour in Asia after completing a lengthy suspension.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his delight over the return of winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is set to rejoin the club during its pre-season tour in Asia after completing a lengthy suspension.

According to Ireporter Online, the Ukrainian international has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024 after being provisionally suspended over an anti-doping case involving the banned substance meldonium.

The Football Association has now concluded its disciplinary process after Mudryk admitted to breaching anti-doping regulations and accepted a suspension that matched the one year and eight months he had already served.

The 25-year-old is expected to link up with Chelsea in Hong Kong after missing the club’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney.

Speaking after the match, Alonso confirmed the winger’s return, saying he was pleased to have him back but had not yet spoken with him.

The Chelsea boss admitted it would take time before Mudryk regains full match fitness after spending nearly two years away from competitive football.

Alonso explained that although the player maintained his fitness through private training sessions away from the club during his suspension, returning to top-level football would require patience and careful assessment.

He also acknowledged the emotional and mental challenges Mudryk faced throughout the period, describing the experience as one that would have been extremely difficult for any professional footballer eager to compete.

The manager stressed that Chelsea’s immediate priority is to reintegrate the winger into the squad and monitor his progress before deciding when he will be ready for competitive action.

Mudryk returns to a Chelsea side that has significantly strengthened its attacking department, with several new wide players joining the squad, creating increased competition for places.

Alonso admitted the timing of the player’s return came as a pleasant surprise for the club.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, also welcomed the winger’s return to football.

De Zerbi praised the Ukrainian’s character and talent, expressing hope that he would rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s brightest young prospects before his move to Stamford Bridge.

Alonso also reflected on Mudryk’s qualities during his time at Shakhtar, describing him as a special player with exceptional pace, dribbling ability and the capacity to create chances on his own, while reiterating that the winger would need time to return to his best level after such a prolonged absence.