Spurs' Mudryk sidelined by injury after comeback from doping ban

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mykhailo Mudryk suffered an ankle injury during training, according to British media reports. Manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed hope that the Ukrainian international could make a swift return following this setback. The 25-year-old joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and made his debut off the bench in last weekend's goalless match at Nottingham Forest.

Mudryk is anticipated to miss training until after the international break, as per the media reports. Previously, Mudryk had played under De Zerbi for Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk before moving to Chelsea in January 2023. He struggled to integrate at Chelsea, and his career was halted due to a doping violation in 2024. The Football Association imposed a four-year ban, but Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and had his suspension reduced following an agreement between the FA and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

De Zerbi acknowledged the injury as "a stupid injury" and expressed hope for Mudryk's speedy recovery, stating that the loss of a key player affects both the player and the team. Mudryk played 15 minutes in a recent match and performed well, but his return is part of the typical process when a player has been absent for a prolonged period.

Mudryk contributed to Chelsea's 73 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists before his transfer to Spurs. However, Spurs have had a disappointing start to the season, securing only one point from their first three Premier League matches and currently occupying the 17th position in the table. They are set to host Everton later on Saturday.