Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk labeled a 'freak' after return from doping ban

Tosin Adarabioyo has labelled his Chelsea colleague Mykhailo Mudryk a “freak,” and the center-back confessed he isn’t remotely shocked his teammate has preserved his physical conditioning throughout the past 20 months.

Mudryk returned to action for the Blues on Wednesday for the first time since November 2024, coming off the bench during the closing stages of the 1-0 loss to Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium. The FA announced last week that Mudryk’s anti-doping disciplinary case had been resolved.

Manager Xabi Alonso informed Mudryk before kickoff that he intended to deploy him for the final 10-15 minutes. While all Chelsea players on the field had been introduced as substitutes at various points in the second period, Nicolas Jackson agreed beforehand to give up his spot to allow Mudryk’s entrance, as per football.london.

<

-Credit:Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Mudryk’s introduction sparked an understandably enthusiastic response from the more than 43,000 fans packed into the Kai Tak. Given that Mudryk had only recently resumed training with Chelsea – following a 20-month absence from the squad – his ability to participate after merely a handful of sessions is remarkable.

Though not unexpected, according to Blues center-back Tosin. “Misha is my guy,” said Tosin. “I have kept in contact with him throughout and it is really nice to have him back. I am really happy for him.

“You can see he is just really happy to be around and back in the environment. It is obviously going to take him some time but we are all here to support him.”

Discussing how Mudryk kept himself in shape throughout his extended absence, Tosin remarked: “Misha is a freak. His work rate is unbelievable.

“There is no doubt he has been working hard throughout this whole time. I know he has been doing sessions away, I have seen him. I know the guys he has been working with so it’s good.”

To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk labeled a 'freak'

The defender added: “No, not at all [surprised by Mudryk’s fitness]. Like I just said I know Misha really well, his work rate is phenomenal, so I am not surprised at all.”

Tosin, affectionately dubbed ‘Uncle Tosin’ by his Chelsea colleagues, has relinquished his status as the squad’s elder statesman. Despite being just 28 years old, Tosin had held the distinction of being the oldest player until Danny Welbeck, 35, and Jordan Henderson, 36, arrived this summer.

“No, thank God,” joked Tosin when reminded of his former title. “We have Welbeck now. I have known him for a long time just growing up in Manchester.”

Welbeck featured in Chelsea’s unofficial debut match in Hong Kong, where the striker played the opening 45 minutes before being substituted. Tosin is enthusiastic about what his fellow Mancunian will bring to West London. “We have all seen that he scores goals. He is a striker and he is here to help,” Tosin said. “The way that he can help is by scoring goals and I am sure he will do that.”

When questioned about Henderson too, the defender commented: “Pure experience and at the same time, they are winners. They will bring that winning mentality to the club and hopefully we will continue that way.”