Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated on Tuesday that no definitive decision has been reached regarding the future of Mykhailo Mudryk, though the winger remains eligible to participate in pre-season fixtures following his return from a doping ban. The 25-year-old Ukrainian international was initially suspended for four years after failing a drug test in 2024, but he successfully appealed the ruling and was granted permission to resume his professional football career this past Friday.
Mudryk has been sidelined from competitive action since November 2024, sparking widespread speculation that Chelsea might look to sanction a loan move to help the player regain his match fitness or potentially pursue a permanent transfer. Addressing these rumors in Hong Kong ahead of a friendly match against Juventus, Alonso remained cautious, noting that the situation requires a delicate approach given the length of the player’s absence.
The winger’s suspension stemmed from a positive test for a low concentration of meldonium. However, his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport proved successful, bolstered by recent rule changes that would have rendered his previous test result non-punishable under current regulations. Alonso emphasized that the club’s immediate priority is the player’s well-being rather than his physical conditioning.
“Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is that we were thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of the team,” Alonso explained. “And we need to assess, but for sure… it is a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive.” When asked if Mudryk might feature in the upcoming match against Juventus, the manager confirmed he is available for selection, though a full 90-minute appearance is unlikely at this stage.
“Yesterday was more about the feelings, about the emotions to be back with the team, more than to assess the fitness level,” the Spaniard added. “But yes, he could play. Maybe 90 minutes is too early. But he can be selected.” Mudryk participated in an open training session at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, where he was warmly received by fans after scoring during a drill.
Beyond Mudryk, Alonso expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Jordan Henderson to the squad following the midfielder’s transfer from Brentford on Monday. The 36-year-old is currently recovering from a broken arm sustained during England’s World Cup victory over Mexico, and the club is currently evaluating his timeline for a return to full fitness. Henderson’s arrival, alongside that of 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, marks a notable departure from Chelsea’s recent recruitment strategy of prioritizing younger players on long-term deals.
Meanwhile, Juventus is focused on improving upon their sixth-place finish from the previous Serie A campaign. Manager Luciano Spalletti confirmed the arrival of Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic and the return of French striker Randal Kolo Muani. “To have new players in our team, we are very happy about them. We have needed them for a long time,” Spalletti told reporters, adding that the club’s focus is now on helping the new signings settle into the squad.
Chelsea’s pre-season preparations have already included two matches in Australia, featuring a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers and a 2-1 loss to Tottenham. Following their clash with Juventus, the Blues are scheduled to face AC Milan in Jakarta and Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia before returning to Europe for a final warm-up match against Real Sociedad. The team will officially open their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.
Juventus, conversely, will continue their pre-season tour in Australia with matches against Inter Milan and Palermo. They are set to begin their domestic season with an away fixture against Frosinone on August 23. As both clubs navigate their respective pre-season schedules, the integration of new and returning players remains a central theme for both coaching staffs as they prepare for the upcoming competitive year.
The 25-year-old has not played since November 2024 and there have been rumours that Chelsea could sanction a loan move to bring him up to speed, or even a permanent transfer.
