Xabi Alonso is very happy to welcome Mykhailo Mudryk back into Chelsea’s squad, but he says it is too early to judge the winger’s future contributions. The 25‑year‑old will join the club’s pre‑season tour after the Football Association closed its anti‑doping case, following an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium.

The FA concluded the proceedings when Mudryk accepted a breach of anti‑doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the 1 year 8 months already served. He has not played since November 2024, and meanwhile trained alone with a private coach, even running sessions at non‑league side Uxbridge.

Alonso added that Mudryk will head to Hong Kong for the next pre‑season stop, after a 2‑1 loss to 10‑man Tottenham in Sydney. "It will take time" the manager said, noting the player’s fitness and match‑shyness need to be rebuilt.

Chelsea’s squad already boasts options on the wing – Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Geovany Quenda, Cole Palmer – and the new £117m signing Morgan Rogers can play on the flanks. Alonso admitted the news was unexpected but hopeful that Mudryk can regain his form next season.