Mudryk makes Tottenham debut after two-year ban as Spurs draw at Nottingham Forest
Abdullateef Fowewe
Mykhailo Mudryk has returned to competitive football for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday, coming off the bench for Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
The Ukraine international, 25, joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with an option to buy for £75 million.
The move reunited him with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed him at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mudryk had been sidelined since November 2024 after testing positive for a low concentration of meldonium.
He received a four-year ban that was later resolved in July 2026, with the period of ineligibility reduced to time served following an agreement involving the FA and WADA.
De Zerbi had indicated before the match that Mudryk was ready for a limited role.
The winger entered the game in the 74th minute at the City Ground, replacing Mathys Tel, for his first competitive appearance since Chelsea’s Conference League win over Heidenheim.
The match finished goalless. Tottenham collected their first point of the Premier League season after opening defeats but remain without a goal across their first three league games.
Nottingham Forest thought they had taken the lead when Neco Williams bundled the ball over the line, only for VAR to disallow it for handball.
Spurs created chances, notably through Omar Marmoush, but could not convert.
Mudryk’s introduction marked a significant personal milestone after a long absence and his switch across London.
