Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Serhii Palkin has offered a rare update on the exiled Mykhailo Mudryk, sharing that the Chelsea winger has his sights set on a return to football.
Mykhailo Mudryk was provisionally suspended in December 2024 due to testing positive for a banned substance. As of today, he remains in a state of professional limbo while awaiting a final verdict from the FA and WADA, a process that has now dragged on for nearly a year and a half.
Because FIFA rules prevent him from using Chelsea‘s Cobham facilities or training with his teammates during the suspension, Mudryk has been forced to maintain his fitness independently. He has recently been spotted renting a 3G pitch at Uxbridge FC, where he has hired a private coach and goalkeeper.
There were rumors in January that his suspension might be cleared, but no official return date has been set, and he continues to face the threat of a ban lasting up to four years.
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Marc Cucurella discussing his future
How Mykhailo Mudryk currently feels amid Chelsea ban
Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Serhii Palkin has given us some insight into what’s going on in the mind of Mykhailo Mudryk right now, amid his suspension (as per Daily Express).
“He’s training. He dedicates almost the whole day to train and to keep himself in a good level, physically and mentally.
“The mood is not so good at this moment, but he believes everything should be good and he will return to football as fast as possible.”
Liam Rosenior stated he was set to have a conversation with Mudryk months ago, but we’ve heard nothing since, as a return date continues to be a mystery.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Marc Cucurella discussing his future
Chelsea lack Mykhailo Mudryk’s pace right now
While Mudryk was often a bit unreliable in front of goal, his pace and directness is missing at Chelsea, in an attack that tends to favour build-up play nowadays.
Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens offer technical dribbling, but they lack Mudryk’s explosive acceleration to stretch deep-seated defenses.
Under Liam Rosenior’s high-possession system, the Blues have struggled to break down low blocks, most notably in recent defeats to Everton and Newcastle
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