Mudryk returns after 20 months out in Chelsea defeat

Mykhailo Mudryk made his first appearance for Chelsea in 20 months as a substitute in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Juventus in Hong Kong.

The Ukraine international came on in the 82nd minute to cheers from the crowd of 43,000 at Kai Tak Stadium - just five days after his suspension for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium ended following a settlement with the Football Association and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In his first involvement, Mudryk almost latched on to an overhit through-ball from Estevao Willian and was seen closing down opponents while operating in his favoured position on the left wing.

The 25-year-old also delivered a late left-footed cross - his brief appearance coming 615 days since he last touched a ball in a competitive game in November 2024, when he scored in a Conference League win over Heidenheim.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said: "It was emotional for everyone at the club to see him back, especially when I told him before the game that he could play for 10 to 15 minutes.

"He was thrilled, for sure. After such a long period, it was a great feeling for him to be back on the pitch, and for everyone as well."

From a fan perspective, there was clear excitement whenever Mudryk was involved. He also appeared to be one of the main targets for autograph hunters, while many in attendance wore shirts bearing his name and number.

There were also supportive messages on the big screen welcoming the return of the forward, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 and scored 10 goals in 73 appearances before his suspension.

Mudryk's appearance came a day after he featured in an open training session, as well as a further session behind closed doors, which convinced Alonso he was fit enough to feature.

There had been some uncertainty over his efforts to maintain his fitness with a private coach while training at seventh-tier Uxbridge FC's Honeycroft Stadium.

However, it was a second successive defeat for Alonso's new-look Chelsea side, with Edon Zhegrova's excellent curling strike in the 68th minute proving the difference.

The Blues had been the better side, but striker Danny Welbeck, who made his first appearance since joining from Brighton, Jamie Gittens and Italian full-back Marco Palestra all failed to take their chances.

Following a loan spell at Bayern Munich, striker Nicolas Jackson also made his first appearance for Chelsea in more than a year during a 37-minute cameo, but he was replaced by Mudryk in a pre-agreed change. It was a nice touch from Jackson and he turned to give a thumbs up to Alonso having come off.