Chelsea star could make first appearance in almost two years
Xabi Alonso has confirmed Mykhailo Mudryk is available to face Juventus as the winger closes in on his first Chelsea appearance for almost two years.
Mudryk linked up with his Chelsea team-mates after the resolution of his anti-doping case allowed him to resume his career. He has since returned to first-team training as Alonso assesses whether to give him minutes against Juventus.
Chelsea face the Italian side at Kai Tak Stadium on Wednesday in their latest pre-season friendly. The match gives Alonso another opportunity to assess his squad before the tour continues in Indonesia.
Football.London reports that Alonso confirmed Mudryk is available for the Juventus game.
The 25-year-old has not played for Chelsea since November 2024. He last featured in the Conference League victory over Heidenheim before his lengthy absence from competitive football began.
Mudryk has continued individual fitness work during that period, but match sharpness remains a separate challenge. Alonso can now decide how quickly to reintegrate him after seeing the winger train with the squad in Hong Kong.
The Chelsea manager has already welcomed Mudryk back into the group. He previously explained that the club wanted the Ukraine international to feel part of the squad again after spending such a long period working away from his team-mates.
Wednesday’s friendly could therefore provide the first significant step in his comeback. Chelsea still need to manage his workload carefully, so availability does not guarantee a starting place or significant minutes.
Alonso also continues to assess several players during a busy stage of pre-season. Chelsea will travel to Jakarta after facing Juventus before taking on AC Milan on Saturday.
Mudryk’s long-term role remains uncertain because Alonso has several attacking options available. For now, however, the immediate focus is whether the Mykhailo Mudryk return begins against Juventus in Hong Kong.
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