Spurs’ Mudryk sidelined by injury after comeback from doping ban

Tottenham Hotspur's winger Mykhailo Mudryk is sidelined due to an injury following his return from a doping ban. The 25-year-old joined Spurs on loan from Chelsea at the start of the transfer window, making his debut off the bench in their recent goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. Mudryk is expected to miss time until after the international break as he recovers from a sprained ankle sustained during training.

Earlier this year, Mudryk faced a four-year ban from the Football Association for testing positive for meldonium, but his suspension was reduced after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Ukrainian international struggled to make an impact at Chelsea, where he spent the 2023-24 season, and his career was effectively halted by the doping issue.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged the setback for both Mudryk and the club, emphasizing Mudryk's resilience and the team's loss of a valuable player. Despite playing briefly in the recent match against Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi noted that Mudryk's return will be part of the typical recovery process after extended periods away from the pitch.