Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is eligible to play competitive football once again after the FA confirmed his ban has been lifted in a statement on Friday. The decision marks a turning point for the Ukraine international, who has not played a competitive match in just under two years. While the football world processes his return, his former manager at Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, has stepped forward with strong words of personal backing following the FA’s announcement.
Roberto De Zerbi Expresses Deep Personal Support for Mudryk
De Zerbi’s relationship with Mudryk dates back to their time together in Ukraine, a bond forged during difficult circumstances. The Italian coach did not hold back his affection when discussing the winger following the Supercup of Sydney friendly—where Tottenham defeated Chelsea 2-1—with the remarks published on 02/08/2026 (and updated at 12:54).
Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager, stated that he considers him like a son, a great guy, and a top player, expressing hope that he can demonstrate what he endured over the past two seasons during the upcoming campaign—perhaps not against Tottenham—and reiterating that he is a wonderful person.
He also noted his close relationship to two other Chelsea stars, mentioning Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro, alongside former Sassuolo player Kevin-Prince Boateng. De Zerbi recalled that his departure from Shakhtar Donetsk was driven by the war rather than football, describing that group as an amazing team and perhaps the best level of football he has ever managed.
Xabi Alonso Outlines the Immediate Plan at Cobham
While De Zerbi’s connection is rooted in their shared past in Ukraine, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso inherits the task of reintegrating a player who has spent a prolonged period training away from the main group. Speaking after Chelsea’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Tottenham in Australia on Saturday—which served as arguably Alonso’s first real test of pre-season and saw a heavily-rotated team lose the second half to 10-man Tottenham—the Spaniard emphasized patience regarding the winger’s physical readiness.
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea manager, explained that they want him to feel part of the team since he has trained alone for a long time, ensuring he receives support from everyone including the club, teammates, and staff, while acknowledging that it will certainly take time and that they will assess how things develop once he joins them.
Alonso acknowledged the unique psychological and physical hurdles Mudryk faces when discussing the club’s outlook, noting that they are happy for him, especially for him, and that they are likely unable to fully comprehend what he has experienced during this period or how he currently feels given everything he has had to manage. The Chelsea boss stated that it remains too early to evaluate his exact fitness levels or match time needed to be involved again until he is fully integrated back into team training sessions upon their return to Cobham.
Pre-Season Context and Next Steps for the Chelsea Squad
Mudryk did not travel to Australia for the pre-season tour because he had only just discovered he is free to play again, missing out as his teammates concluded that leg with a 2-1 loss against 10-man Tottenham. Chelsea’s pre-season schedule continues with upcoming stops in Hong-Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia before the squad returns to England. Club officials expect Mudryk to link up with his team-mates overseas as preparation for the upcoming campaign continues.
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