Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk featured in his first match in nearly two years after his doping suspension was cancelled, entering as an 82nd-minute substitute during a 0-1 friendly loss against Juventus in Hong Kong, Suspilne Sport reported.
Ahead of the fixture, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso emphasized that he would not rush Mudryk back into regular action. Alonso stated that the primary focus was supporting the player, helping him feel part of the team again, and integrating him into team dynamics, noting that Chelsea must handle his unique situation with sensitivity.
Doping case settlement
The appearance against Juventus marked Mudryk's initial step toward returning to official matches for the London club. Chelsea and the Football Association announced on July 31 that his doping case was closed following a joint settlement involving the World Anti-Doping Agency. Mudryk then joined the squad in Hong Kong for pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Chelsea next scheduled to play Milan in a friendly on August 8.
The disciplinary case originated in October 2024 when an out-of-competition test revealed a low concentration of meldonium in Mudryk's sample, according to UNIAN. The Football Association provisionally suspended him in December 2024 and filed formal charges in May 2025.
An independent disciplinary commission imposed a four-year ban in January 2026, which Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Proceedings concluded in July when the Football Association, WADA, and Mudryk reached an agreement where Mudryk acknowledged an anti-doping rule violation and his suspension was considered fully served.
