Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mykhailo Mudryk has made his return for Chelsea after being sidelined for 20 months.
During his time away from the pitch, Mykhailo Mudryk missed 86 competitive matches for Chelsea across all competitions, as well as key international fixtures for Ukraine.
However, after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport led to a resolution between WADA and the Football Association in late July 2026, his suspension was officially lifted.
Cleared for an immediate return to competitive action, Mudryk rejoined Chelsea’s squad on their pre-season tour in Hong Kong to resume team training.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mykhailo Mudryk’s ten-minute display for Chelsea vs Juventus
Mykhailo Mudryk made his long-awaited return for Chelsea, coming off the bench in the 82nd minute during a 1-0 pre-season friendly loss to Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
Wearing the number 43 shirt, the Ukrainian winger took up his familiar role on the left wing after replacing Nicolas Jackson.
His entry drew appreciative applause from his Chelsea teammates as they swapped places, accompanied by resounding cheers from thousands of fans welcoming him back after 20 months away.
Though his late cameo was lively, Chelsea couldn’t find an equaliser.
Chelsea v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mykhailo Mudryk’s stats against Juventus
He failed his only cross, made three out of four passes, failed his only dribble, one touch in the opposition’s box, had nine touches, made one tackle, as well as winning one out of two duels.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Mudryk, but he was pretty much feeding off scraps after such a long time out.
However, with Pedro Neto potentially on his way to Manchester City, we will see a lot more of Mudryk.