Mykhailo Mudryk is ready to return for Chelsea and has a supportive partner helping to fuel his comeback bid. The Ukrainian winger, 25, is available to new Blues boss Xabi Alonso almost two years since his last appearance for the club.
Mudryk's Return and New Relationship
Mudryk has linked up with his team-mates for pre-season and could feature in Saturday's friendly against AC Milan. He was banned in December 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. Initially suspended by the Football Association until 2028, he succeeded with his appeal and is now free to play once again.
That will delight girlfriend Jordyn Jones, who hasn't yet had the opportunity to watch her beau up close in the Premier League. However, that could soon become a reality if Mudryk succeeds in convincing Alonso of his talents.
How Mudryk Courted Jones
Mudryk clearly put his time on the sidelines to good use by courting his new partner via Instagram. The former Shakhtar Donetsk forward was seen commenting on one of Jones' videos, asking his followers: "Guys, should I try?"
He later attempted to woo the blonde beauty with the offer of a trip to Disneyland after messaging her: "Let’s meet in Paris. I’ve got two tickets to Disneyland, don’t want to go alone."
Jones, a dancer, actress, and influencer with almost nine million Instagram followers, has been dating Mudryk since last year. In March, she uploaded a photo of herself outside Disneyland gates, including Mudryk in the post with the caption: "Fast forward six months. I’m glad I unblocked you."
Alonso's Stance on Mudryk
Alonso recently addressed the Mudryk situation after the player joined up with his team-mates in Hong Kong this week. The wide star will seemingly be playing with a clean slate in his attempts to win over the new chief.
"No decision has been made," said Alonso. "Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of a team, and we need to assess [his condition]."
"But for sure, he's a special player. It's a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive."
Chelsea are due to face AC Milan in Indonesia on Saturday, presenting a potential opportunity to test Mudryk against higher-level opposition, with the new Premier League campaign less than three weeks away.
