Ukraine's Mudryk could be loaned out before returning to Chelsea
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to football after his disciplinary doping case was resolved, but Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol said on Aug. 1 that the Ukrainian player may not return to the field anytime soon — and could be sent out on loan first.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has cleared his name in a doping case, but Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol warns the Ukrainian player may skip a few steps before returning to the pitch. Solhekol believes Mudryk will face a "long and winding road" to regain playing form, noting he hasn't trained properly in two years. Despite maintaining his physical condition, Mudryk trained independently, even hiring goalkeepers to aid his practice.
The player, a high-profile signing for Chelsea, hasn't played since November 2024. The FA initially suspended Mudryk in December 2024 after his meldonium-positive doping test. An independent FA panel banned him for four years in January 2026, but the player appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). WADA subsequently updated meldonium rules, making his original test non-violative.
The FA, Mudryk and WADA then agreed to terminate the appeal. Solhekol suggests Mudryk might go on loan before returning to Chelsea, emphasizing the player still has to "prove himself" after a costly move to the Premier League.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
