Mykhailo Mudryk's Return to Chelsea Training and Potential Loan Offers

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has expressed his delight at the surprising return of Mykhailo Mudryk to FC Chelsea's team training.

Mudryk participated in his first training session with Chelsea in Hong Kong on Monday, after being sidelined since 2024 due to a doping offense. This marked his return to the squad during the London club's training camp.

"He came straight from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about the feeling, the emotions – being back with the players and assessing his fitness," Alonso stated. "He could be on the pitch tomorrow (in the friendly against Juventus, editor's note), but 90 minutes might still be too much. We have nominated him, so he can play. We are very happy that Misha is back. His smile showed how good it feels for him to be part of the team again after a long period of solo training."

Why was Mykhailo Mudryk suspended?

Mudryk was provisionally suspended by the English Football Association in 2024 after testing positive for Meldonium. His last appearance for Chelsea was in November 2024 when he scored against Heidenheim in the Conference League. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted the ban last Friday following Mudryk's appeal, after he admitted to violating anti-doping rules and accepted the time already served under the suspension.

The amount of Meldonium found in Mudryk's system was so low that, according to current anti-doping guidelines, it would no longer constitute a violation. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also agreed with the decision.

Who wants to loan Mudryk?

Mudryk, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a fee of 70 million euros and has five years remaining on his contract, might be loaned out soon to gain match practice. Three Premier League clubs, including promoted side Coventry City under Frank Lampard, have reportedly already made contact. A loan to Chelsea's feeder club, Strasbourg, is also a possibility.

Regarding the transfer rumors, Alonso commented, "No decision has been made yet. We need to assess the situation – he is a special player, but this is a special case, so we need to proceed with sensitivity. We must assume it will take longer for him to regain full fitness and top form."