Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea during a training session at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on August 3, 2026 in Hong Kong, China
Mykhailo Mudryk has returned to Chelsea training after almost two years away from the squad(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Tosin Adarabioyo has described his Chelsea teammate Mykhailo Mudryk as a "freak" and the defender admitted he is not at all surprised his colleague has maintained his fitness levels over the last 20 months.
Mudryk made his first appearance for the Blues since November 2024 on Wednesday evening, where he entered the pitch late in the 1-0 defeat to Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The FA confirmed last week that a resolution had been found regarding the Ukrainian's anti-doping disciplinary proceedings.
Xabi Alonso told Mudryk before the game that he planned to use him for the last 10-15 minutes. All of the Chelsea team on the pitch at the time were subbed on at some point in the second half, but Nicolas Jackson pre-agreed before the game that he would sacrifice his place on the pitch for Mudryk.
Mudryk came on, to a predictably rapturous reception from the 43,000-plus supporters inside the Kai Tak. Considering Mudryk restarted training with Chelsea - after 20 months away from the team - the fact he could take some part after just a few sessions is impressive. But not surprising, according to Blues centre-back Tosin.
"Misha is my guy," said Tosin. "I have kept in contact with him throughout and it is really nice to have him back. I am really happy for him.
"You can see he is just really happy to be around and back in the environment. It is obviously going to take him some time but we are all here to support him."
Speaking about how Mudryk maintained his fitness levels during his lengthy time out of action, Tosin added: "Misha is a freak. His work rate is unbelievable.
"There is no doubt he has been working hard throughout this whole time. I know he has been doing sessions away, I have seen him. I know the guys he has been working with so it's good."
The defender said: "No, not at all [surprised by Mudryk's fitness]. Like I just said I know Misha really well, his work rate is phenomenal, so I am not surprised at all."
Tosin, or 'Uncle Tosin' as he is known to his Chelsea teammates, is no longer the most senior figure within the Blues squad. While being only 28 years old, Tosin had been the oldest player, but Danny Welbeck, 35, and Jordan Henderson, 36, have joined this summer.
"No, thank God," joked Tosin when reminded he is no longer the 'uncle'. "We have Welbeck now. I have known him for a long time just growing up in Manchester."
Welbeck made his unofficial debut for Chelsea in Hong Kong, where the striker played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced. Tosin is excited for how his the Mancunian does in west London.
"We have all seen that he scores goals. He is a striker and he is here to help. The way that he can help is by scoring goals and I am sure he will do that."
Asked about Henderson as well, the defender added: "Pure experience and at the same time, they are winners. They will bring that winning mentality to the club and hopefully we will continue that way."