Ukraine national team head coach Andrea Maldera wants Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk back in his squad after the player had a two-year doping ban overturned.
Speaking in an interview with media channel VZBIRNA, Maldera said the 25-year-old remains an essential player for the national side. He explained that having a player of Mudryk's calibre available was an obvious decision for any manager, adding that it was 100 percent better to have him in the team than not.
Maldera noted that everyone at the Ukrainian Football Association was delighted by Mudryk's return to the pitch following his extended absence. He emphasized that while he is waiting to select the winger, he does not intend to place excess pressure on him because returning after such a long pause is challenging. The manager expressed high hopes that Mudryk will join up with the national squad for their upcoming training camp.
Doping ban cleared
Mudryk, who plays as a left winger, had been out of action since November 2024 following his suspension over an anti-doping matter. In April this year, sports authorities imposed a four-year ban on the footballer, prompting him to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the independent tribunal based in Switzerland.
The case concluded in July when the ban was formally overturned by decision of the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Mudryk subsequently returned to pre-season preparations with English Premier League club Chelsea, featuring in multiple friendly matches. However, he was not included in the starting lineup for Chelsea's opening league fixture against London rivals Fulham.
UEFA highlights goal
European football's governing body UEFA also acknowledged the player's return to competitive football. UEFA posted a video highlight on its official account on social media platform X, showcasing a memorable goal scored by the Ukrainian winger against Scottish side Celtic.
The goal was scored in October 2022 during matchday five of the UEFA Champions League group stage, back when Mudryk was representing Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. UEFA published the footage of his swift attacking move accompanied by a lightning bolt emoji, referencing the player's speed.
