Alonso hails ’emotional’ Mudryk return in 1-0 loss to Juventus

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed his delight over Mykhailo Mudryk's emotional return from a doping ban, as the Ukrainian winger made his first appearance for the London club in nearly two years during a 1-0 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Mudryk came on as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute, eliciting applause from his teammates and enthusiastic cheers from the Chelsea supporters in the 43,575 crowd at Kai Tak Stadium.

The 23-year-old had not played since November 2024 after winning his appeal to resume his football career following the ban.

Despite a lively cameo on the left side, Mudryk was unable to prevent Juventus from securing the victory, courtesy of a brilliant second-half goal from Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova. Manager Alonso praised Mudryk, stating, "Really pleased for him. It was emotional for everyone from the club to see him back. He was thrilled, for sure.

After such a long period, to be back on the pitch, it was a great feeling for him." Neither side managed to break the deadlock in a lackluster first half, with Danny Welbeck coming close in the 11th minute, but his flicked header failed to find the target.

The second half saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances, with Zhegrova's goal coming just before halftime. Chelsea captain Moises Caicedo's long ball towards Marco Palestra in the 68th minute provided an opportunity for the full-back, but his shot was saved by Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin. Alonso acknowledged that the game lacked control and stability due to multiple substitutions, but emphasized the importance of the experience gained.

He also disclosed that Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were omitted from the matchday squad due to a knock sustained during Saturday's match against Tottenham. Chelsea will face AC Milan in Jakarta on Saturday as part of their pre-season preparations, followed by games against Johor Darul Ta'zim and Real Sociedad. Their opening Premier League match against Fulham is scheduled for August 24.