{
  "id": 136850,
  "title": "‘No decision’ on Mudryk’s future after Chelsea return, says Alonso",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/no-decision-on-mudryks-future-after-chelsea-return-says-alonso",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T15:00:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/04/no-decision-on-mudryk-s-future-after-chelsea-return-says-alonso"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated on Tuesday that no decision had been made regarding Mykhailo Mudryk's future, though he confirmed the winger could participate in pre-season activities following his return from a doping ban. Mudryk, a Ukrainian international, had been suspended for four years after testing positive for meldonium in 2024 but successfully appealed the decision, allowing him to resume his football career. The 25-year-old had not played since November 2024 and rumors of a loan move or permanent transfer to Chelsea have circulated. Alonso acknowledged the quick succession of events and emphasized the importance of integrating Mudryk back into the team dynamic, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. He confirmed Mudryk's potential participation in the upcoming friendly against Juventus, though he suggested a 90-minute match might be too early. Additionally, Alonso expressed his excitement about welcoming Jordan Henderson, who recently joined Chelsea from Brentford. The manager also mentioned the club's strategy of targeting experienced players, citing the recent signings of Danny Welbeck and Henderson. Meanwhile, Juventus announced the signing of Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegovic and the return of French striker Randal Kolo Muani, highlighting the competition for new talent in the football world. Chelsea's pre-season tour so far included friendlies in Australia against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham, with upcoming matches against AC Milan, AC Palermo, and Real Sociedad before their season opener against Fulham.",
  "summary": "Mykhailo Mudryk was handed a four-year suspension after failing a 2024 drug test, but won an appeal and was cleared to resume his football career.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Chelsea undecided on Mudryk future, says Alonso",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/chelsea-undecided-on-mudryk-future-says-alonso",
        "published": "2026-08-04T16:07:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}