Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's technical director, confirmed that Ukrainian Mykhailo Mudryk could be part of the team during the 2026-2027 season, after the end of his suspension crisis due to the doping case.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Club: Chelsea
The English Football Association announced on Friday the end of Mudryk's anti-doping procedures, making the player eligible to resume his football career after an absence since December 2024.
The 25-year-old Ukrainian winger had been threatened with a four-year suspension before the case was officially closed.
Alonso spoke after Chelsea's 2-1 friendly loss to Tottenham, saying: "We are happy for him, especially for him personally. We probably cannot imagine what he has been through during this period."
He added, "We want him to be part of the team, and he has everyone's support."
He continued, "It will take some time, but after the circumstances have changed, things will start moving. He wants to play football and return to the team, and there is no doubt that what he went through was extremely difficult."
The Spanish coach praised the player's potential, saying, "I saw him with Shakhtar Donetsk and saw his impact and great ability in one-on-one duels. He can create many opportunities on his own; he is a special player, but he needs time."
Chelsea faces strong competition in the attacking positions, as the squad includes Pedro Neto, Estevão Willian, Jamie Gittens, Giovanni Quenda, Morgan Rogers, and Nicolas Jackson.
Despite Chelsea's absence from European competitions in the 2026-2027 season, Alonso believes that Mudryk gradually gaining minutes with the first team could be better than sending him out on loan to regain his form.
The Spanish coach also revealed that Mudryk will travel with Chelsea's delegation to Hong Kong to participate in the next three matches as part of the new season's preparation program.