Mudryk Returns After 20-Month Suspension in Chelsea Loss

Mykhailo Mudryk returned to competitive action for Chelsea after a 20-month suspension, making his first appearance as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat to Juventus on Wednesday at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The 25-year-old Ukraine international came on in the 82nd minute, just five days after his suspension for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium ended.

Mudryk was greeted warmly by the 43,000 fans present, with supporters wearing shirts bearing his name and messages celebrating his return displayed on stadium screens. He last played for Chelsea in November 2024, scoring in a Conference League match against Heidenheim.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso decided to include him after observing his performance in training sessions. Despite Mudryk's return, Chelsea faced their second consecutive defeat under Alonso, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.

Chelsea created multiple chances but failed to convert, with players like Danny Welbeck and Jamie Gittens missing opportunities.