After 615 days, Mudryk returns amid doping saga at Chelsea
Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has stepped onto the pitch for Chelsea after a 615‑day absence, following a doping suspension imposed by the English FA in November 2024. The ban, which halted his career, was lifted this summer, allowing him to resume professional football.
The FA suspended Mudryk after a routine test detected meldonium, a cardiovascular medication that can boost endurance and speed recovery. Mudryk has consistently denied knowingly taking the substance, stating, "I know I have done nothing wrong" when the case became public.
His last official appearance before the ban was on 28 November 2024 against Heidenheim in the Conference, where he even scored. A provisional suspension followed, later escalated to a four‑year ban, which he appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The appeal succeeded, and he received clearance to return during the summer.
Mudryk’s first minutes back came in a friendly in Hong Kong against Juventus, where coach Xabi Alonso granted him eight minutes. Alonso said, "I am very happy for him. It was emotional for everyone at the club to see him return, especially after I told him before the match I hoped he could play between 10 and 15 minutes."
A few days later Mudryk featured again, this time against Milan and later against Johor, adding valuable minutes as he rebuilds match fitness.
He joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of €70 million plus €30 million in variables. In his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge he made 73 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists before the doping case interrupted his progress.
On Instagram Mudryk reflected on the ordeal, writing, "This has been the most difficult period of my career. I am grateful the process has ended, that it has been revoked, and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect."
Teammate Tosin Adarabioyo praised his work ethic, calling him "a phenomenon, his work rate is incredible." Former Shakhtar coach Roberto De Zerbi added, "He is like a son to me, a top player, and I am very happy. He deserves to play."
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