Chelsea have received a major and unexpected lift as reports indicate the FA is preparing to significantly reduce Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension. After months filled with uncertainty, legal reviews and internal investigations, the winger is now edging closer to a return far earlier than the club initially feared.
The FA is expected to announce its final verdict soon, with indications suggesting Mudryk could feature again before the end of the current season — a scenario few at Stamford Bridge thought possible.
However, despite the relief across the club, there is an important caveat.
Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Mudryk will not automatically reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. The Chelsea manager has stressed that the winger must meet one key requirement before being reintegrated into the first team: he must prove that he is fully prepared — both physically and mentally — to perform at the level the system demands.
Maresca reportedly wants Mudryk to show a renewed work ethic, tactical discipline and fitness sharpness before considering him for selection. Only then will he be allowed to step back into a squad that has evolved in his absence.
For Chelsea fans, it’s a double-edged update: an unexpected lifeline in Mudryk’s availability, paired with a manager determined to ensure standards remain high. The final decision from the FA is expected soon, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic end to the season.