Chelsea’s preseason boost as Mudryk returns after TAS lift
In the humid training grounds of Hong Kong, Chelsea welcomed Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk back into squad drills, a day after the Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted his doping ban, while midfielder Enzo Fernández remains on the sidelines awaiting his own return.
The 25‑year‑old, described as a reckless winger who dazzles with speed and verticality when taking on defenders, is back on the pitch after months of absence. His style, built on rapid bursts and a keen eye for the opposite goal, had made him a fan favourite before the suspension.
Mudryk endured almost two difficult years without competitive football, officially suspended on 28 November 2024 following a positive anti‑doping test after a Ukraine national‑team commitment. The ban, initially set to run until 2028, was the longest ever imposed for such an offence.
On 31 July the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced the sanction’s removal, allowing the winger to join Chelsea’s international preseason in China. The move is billed as a top reinforcement for Xabi Alonso at the start of his tenure with the Blues.
The Football Association and the World Anti‑Doping Agency reached an agreement to lift the ban, explaining that updated WADA regulations mean the meldonium sample taken from Mudryk would not trigger a sanction today. The FA’s statement highlighted the regulatory change as the key reason for the decision.
This Monday the former Shakhtar attacker arrived in Hong Kong under Alonso’s guidance alongside five other new signings: goalkeepers Mike Penders and Gabriel Slonina, forward Geovany Quenda, World Cup‑experienced Pedro Neto, and veteran striker Danny Welbeck.
After two friendlies in Australia, the London side travelled to the Asian capital to face Juventus on Wednesday at 8:30 Argentine time. Enzo Fernández continues his days off and is expected to be one of the last players to re‑join training with the new coach.
Valentín Barco, announced as a new signing on Sunday, will also join later. Chelsea have two more friendlies scheduled after Juventus – against Milan and Johor of Malaysia – and their Premier League debut is set for 24 August away at Fulham.
Mudryk’s original transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 cost €70 million, placing him among Chelsea’s most expensive purchases at the time, surpassed only by Enzo Fernández, Wesley Fofana and later arrivals such as Moisés Caicedo. The fee generated huge expectations for his speed, imbalance and forward projection.
Throughout the suspension the club handled the situation with caution, limiting public commentary to initial communications and avoiding deeper discussion of the disciplinary process.