Mudryk returns after 21 months away from action

Mykhailo Mudryk stepped onto the pitch for the first time in nearly two years this Wednesday following his doping suspension. The Ukrainian winger came on in the 82nd minute replacing Nicolas Jackson during Chelsea's 0-1 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong.

English Football Association cleared Mudryk's return in late July after an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency allowed him to withdraw his appeal to the CAS. His ban originated from a low concentration of meldonium detected in a drug test.

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's manager, could not hide his emotion: "I'm very happy for him. His return was an emotional moment for everyone at the club. After so long, getting back on the pitch was a great feeling for him," according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish coach also clarified he hasn't yet decided on a possible loan or transfer for the player, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for around €100 million.