Mykhaylo Mudryk has struggled since joining Chelsea in January 2023 (Image: Getty)
Chelsea could reportedly allow Mykhaylo Mudryk to leave on loan in January as the winger bids to rekindle his form. The Ukrainian has struggled for consistency since his blockbuster £88million switch from Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of 2023.
Mudryk has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, failing for game time amid heightened competition from summer signings Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto. He was hauled off at half-time during his only Premier League start this season, Chelsea’s 6-2 victory over Wolves in August.
In a display of Mudryk’s fallen pedigree, it took until the 90th minute for him to be introduced as Chelsea chased a winner during their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend. New boss Enzo Maresca has preferred Sancho, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke behind striker Nicolas Jackson this term.
Mudryk is in desperate need of game time, having played 81 minutes of Premier League football this season. According to Give Me Sport, Chelsea could send the 23-year-old on loan to help him rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s top talents at Shakhtar.
It comes just weeks after Maresca warned Mudryk to “do better” and denied suggestions that the forward was lacking confidence. Speaking about the player’s lack of action, the Chelsea boss said: “I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence.
“Misha is Misha, you have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”
Mudryk was dragged off at the interval when Chelsea thumped Wolves in August. He has started just three of Chelsea’s eight matches since then, with those coming in the Conference League and the League Cup.
Maresca bluntly explained that he was unhappy with Mudryk’s performance against Wolves. He demanded more quality from the Ukraine international.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca urged Mykhaylo Mudryk to 'do better' and has scarcely used the forward (Image: Getty)
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Asked why Mudryk was taken off, Maresca responded: "Because I was not happy. In some moments we can manage some situations better.
“He was working hard off the ball but on the ball, I expect a bit more quality from Misha. He had some good moments today but the reason why was to change it and give Pedro some minutes."
Chelsea have spent big on attacking players over the last two years. The likes of Sancho, Neto, Palmer and Christopher Nkunku have all arrived at Stamford Bridge since Mudryk was signed to much fanfare.
