Alonso praises Mudryk but admits fitness unknown ahead of Hong Kong camp

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised the return of winger Mykhaylo Mudryk after a 1½‑year doping ban, but admitted he still does not know the Ukrainian’s fitness as the player prepares to travel to an upcoming training camp in Hong Kong.

Mudryk, who served a 1½‑year suspension following a doping violation, is now cleared to play again.

The Chelsea winger will join the squad on the Hong Kong camp, yet Alonso said he has no clear picture of the player’s current fitness.

Alonso addressed the media on Friday in Sydney, where Chelsea staged a preparatory friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.

"It is too early to say how his fitness is, also because there is no match rhythm. We are, however, very happy for him, because we have no idea what he has had to go through. We assume this will take some time," the Spaniard explained.

He added, "To be honest we did not expect this good news. He is a top guy, a good player. I hope he can show next season what we have missed the last two years. Not against Tottenham, but he is a great boy and a very good player. He goes to Hong Kong, but I have not spoken to him yet."

Chelsea signed Mudryk in 2023 for €70 million from Shakhtar Donetsk, but his first season fell short of expectations.

He was caught using a prohibited substance in December 2024 and initially received a four‑year ban.