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Mykhailo Mudryk is set to rejoin Chelsea’s first-team squad after being cleared to return to competitive football, with the Ukrainian winger expected to link up with the Blues during their pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
The 25-year-old has not played for Chelsea since November 2024 after being suspended following an adverse anti-doping test.
However, the Football Association confirmed on Friday that the disciplinary proceedings have been resolved, allowing him to resume his career with immediate effect.
Chelsea begin Mudryk’s reintegration
Chelsea confirmed that their immediate priority is to support Mudryk’s reintegration into the squad, with the winger expected to travel to Hong Kong next week to begin working under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Mudryk described the outcome as a major relief after spending more than 20 months away from competitive football.
“I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future,” Mudryk wrote on Instagram.
“This has been the most difficult period of my career,” he added.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star will now begin rebuilding his fitness and match sharpness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Fresh competition awaits winger
Mudryk’s return comes after significant changes at Stamford Bridge during his absence. Chelsea have strengthened their attacking options with the arrivals of Jamie Gittens and club-record signing Morgan Rogers, while Pedro Neto also remains an option on the left flank.
The Ukrainian will now have to convince Alonso that he deserves a place in the squad after missing nearly two seasons of action.
Chelsea’s lack of European football this season could also make regular opportunities harder to come by, increasing the competition for places in attack.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £89 million, but his progress was interrupted by the suspension.
His inclusion in the Hong Kong tour marks the first step in his return, with Chelsea hopeful the winger can rebuild his career and compete for a place in Alonso’s plans ahead of the new Premier League season.