Mudryk return welcomed by Alonso after Chelsea lose to Tottenham in Sydney

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he is “very happy” that Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to resume playing after almost two years out following a positive doping test.

The Ukraine international was given permission to return immediately on Friday after the Football Association concluded his disciplinary proceedings in agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Mudryk, who last played for Chelsea in November 2024, is expected to join Alonso’s squad in Hong Kong for the next stage of the club’s pre-season tour.

“I am very happy for him, for me also but mostly for him,” Alonso told reporters after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney on Saturday.

“We want him to feel part of the team because he’s been training on his own for so long. We have to see (about his future) because he’s not been playing for a long time.

“To be honest, we were not expecting to have this great news.”

Mudryk’s return comes after he spent nearly two years sidelined while his case was dealt with by the relevant authorities. Alonso said the winger’s long period away from competitive football meant his future would need to be considered carefully, but stressed the importance of helping him reconnect with the Chelsea squad.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, who coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the player moved to Chelsea, also expressed his support for the 25-year-old.

“He’s a lovely guy and a great player,” he said. “I hope he can show that in this coming season after all his suffering over the past two years.”

De Zerbi was also pleased with Tottenham’s late victory over Chelsea, despite the match being a pre-season friendly. He said the result had particular significance after Spurs’ disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Sandro Tonali, Tottenham’s big-money signing, put his side ahead in the 17th minute. Chelsea responded four minutes later when Brazilian teenager Estevao headed in an equaliser.

The match changed shortly after half-time when Tottenham substitute Kevin Danso was sent off after pulling down Joao Pedro as the Chelsea striker moved into a goalscoring position. Despite being reduced to 10 players, Spurs remained in contention thanks in part to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who made several impressive saves.

Tottenham eventually secured victory in the final minute. Jamie Donley’s effort struck the post before Richarlison followed up to tap in the winning goal.

“We wanted to win, to lose is not something we want to do,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea manager also welcomed the outcome of the club’s appeal against a suspended points deduction. The sanction had followed breaches of the Football Association’s transfer regulations, with the appeal successfully resolved on Friday.

“Any issue that is sorted is a good thing,” Alonso said. “It can affect the team so I’m happy.”

The Sydney fixture was played in front of a crowd of 80,363 as both clubs continued their preparations during their pre-season tours. Mudryk’s return now provides Chelsea with another attacking option, although Alonso acknowledged that the winger will need time to rebuild his match fitness after such a lengthy absence.