Mykhailo Mudryk made his first Chelsea appearance in nearly two years as the Blues fell 1-0 to Juventus in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Mykhailo Mudryk finally made his long-awaited return to Chelsea action on Wednesday, ending a near two-year absence as the Blues suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
The Ukrainian winger came off the bench in the 82nd minute to replace Nicolas Jackson, receiving a warm ovation from Chelsea supporters inside Kai Tak Stadium. It marked his first appearance for the club since November 2024 after his lengthy absence due to a doping suspension.
Mudryk was cleared to resume his professional career last week after successfully resolving his appeal, paving the way for his reintegration into Xabi Alonso’s squad. Although his cameo was brief, the 25-year-old showed flashes of confidence down the left flank as he begins the long journey back to full match fitness.
The match itself was decided by a moment of brilliance from Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova. After a relatively quiet contest, Kenan Yildiz found the Kosovo international in space, and Zhegrova curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the penalty area in the 68th minute.
Full-time. pic.twitter.com/UmNZUZWmXH
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2026
Chelsea had opportunities of their own but struggled to convert them. Summer signing Danny Welbeck nearly enjoyed a dream debut when he met an early cross with a flicked header, only to send his effort wide of the target.
Later in the match, Marco Palestra also came close after being picked out by a long pass from captain Moises Caicedo, but his finish was comfortably saved by Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin.
Juventus also threatened before the breakthrough, with Jeremie Boga forcing Robert Sanchez into an excellent save just before half-time as both sides experimented with different line-ups during another important pre-season test.
For Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, the biggest positive may have been Mudryk’s return rather than the result itself. Having missed almost two years of competitive football, the Ukrainian now has valuable minutes under his belt and can begin rebuilding his confidence ahead of the new Premier League season.
Giving back to the fans. 💙 pic.twitter.com/Wr0bZPkaol
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2026
While the defeat highlighted that Chelsea still have work to do before the campaign begins, Mudryk’s return offers supporters renewed optimism that the winger can finally put a difficult chapter behind him and compete for a place in Alonso’s plans over the months ahead.
