Mudryk returns as Chelsea suffer Juventus defeat | OneFootball

Mykhailo Mudryk made his long-awaited return to action as Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Juventus in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The Ukraine international came off the bench in the 82nd minute to a warm reception from the 43,000-strong crowd at Kai Tak Stadium, marking his first appearance for the Blues in 20 months after recently being cleared to return from suspension.

Mudryk’s comeback came just five days after his anti-doping case was resolved through a settlement with the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Operating on the left wing, the 25-year-old looked lively during his brief cameo, pressing aggressively, almost reaching an overhit through ball from Estevao Willian and delivering a dangerous cross into the box late on.

Mudryk returns as Chelsea suffer Juventus defeat

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso admitted the occasion was an emotional one for both the player and the club.

“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,” Alonso said.

“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.”

Despite Mudryk’s return, Chelsea slipped to a second consecutive pre-season defeat after Edon Zhegrova’s superb curling effort in the 68th minute secured victory for Juventus.

The Blues created the better opportunities but were unable to find a breakthrough, with Danny Welbeck, Jamie Gittens and Marco Palestra all denied before Mudryk’s late introduction.

The winger’s return nevertheless provided one of the night’s biggest positives as Chelsea continue their preparations for the new season under Alonso.

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