Mudryk returns after 600-day layoff as Chelsea lose to Juventus

Abdullateef Fowewe

Ukrainian winger, Mykhailo Mudryk has made his first Chelsea appearance since November 2024 on Wednesday, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong.

The 25-year-old’s comeback came after he spent more than 600 days out following a provisional suspension over a meldonium case, which has now been resolved with the Football Association, allowing him to return immediately.

Juventus won the friendly through a second-half strike from Edon Zhegrova, but Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso described Mudryk’s return as emotional.

Despite his brief cameo, the winger showed attacking intent as he looked to restart his career with the Blues.