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Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Mykhailo Mudryk could be involved against Juventus in Hong Kong after his four-year doping ban was overturned. The winger linked back up with the Chelsea squad on Tuesday and received a huge welcome from local supporters. Even though the Ukraine international is back in full group training, uncertainty still surrounds his longer-term future, with three Premier League clubs showing interest.

Winger handed immediate comeback after FA case is resolved

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said in a press conference at Kai Tak Stadium that Mykhailo Mudryk is available for selection for Wednesday’s game against Juventus. The £89 million recruit from Shakhtar Donetsk returned to training after the conclusion of his anti-doping case with the Football Association.

Mudryk had been provisionally suspended after returning a positive test for meldonium, and his most recent appearance came in November 2024, when he scored against Heidenheim in the Conference League. Following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the ban was lifted, clearing him to take part in an open training session on Tuesday, where he drew the biggest cheer from local fans.

Alonso delighted by return but careful over fitness

Speaking to reporters, Alonso said he was pleased to have Mudryk back, while also stressing that regaining full physical sharpness will take time. Alonso said: “We trained yesterday. He came directly from the airport to the hotel. So, yesterday was more about the feelings, more about the emotions, to be back with the players to assess the fitness level. But yes, he could play, maybe 90 minutes too early, but he can be selected. He's selected, so he can play. We are thrilled that Misha could be with us. You could see his smile, how great the feeling is for him to be part of the team because he has been training on his own for a long time.”

Transfer interest grows as Chelsea weigh up winger’s future

Although Mudryk still has five years left on his contract, Chelsea have not yet finalised firm plans for him for the coming season. Three Premier League clubs, including Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, have already made enquiries about a possible loan move for the player.

Responding to the transfer talk, Alonso said: “No decision made. We need to assess, he is a special player but it is a special case so we need to be sensitive. We can expect that [it will take longer to get back to full fitness and sharpness].” At the same time, Chelsea have strengthened their backroom team by bringing in set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa, while new signing Danny Welbeck is also in contention to feature against Juventus.

What next for Mudryk and Chelsea?

Mudryk will look to sharpen up his match fitness during pre-season games before Chelsea begin their Premier League season against Fulham on August 24. Alonso and the club’s hierarchy will keep a close watch on how he settles back in over the next few weeks before deciding whether to retain him in the squad or sanction a loan before the transfer window officially closes.