Liam Rosenior to Hold Mykhailo Mudryk Talks at ‘Right Time’ After False Training Reports

Liam Rosenior is taking a careful and considered approach to one of the most sensitive situations at Chelsea, making it clear he will only speak to Mykhailo Mudryk when the timing is right and when he feels he can genuinely help the player move forward.

The new Chelsea head coach addressed Mudryk’s situation on Friday after inaccurate reports suggested the Ukrainian winger had returned to training at Cobham. Rosenior was quick to shut down those claims, while also offering a thoughtful explanation of why he has not yet made direct contact with the suspended forward.

Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since November 2024, when he scored in a Conference League victory over Heidenheim. What should have been a platform for momentum instead marked the start of a long and uncertain absence from the pitch.

A long absence and a serious charge

The 25-year-old has been out of action since being charged in June 2025 with a breach of the FA’s anti-doping regulations after failing a drug test. The substance detected was meldonium, which is banned under FA rules. At the time of the charge, it was reported that Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years if found guilty.

Since then, his future has been clouded by silence, speculation and, more recently, incorrect reports claiming he had returned to first-team training. It is understood Mudryk has not been present at Chelsea’s training base in recent weeks, despite those suggestions circulating earlier this week.

The situation leaves Chelsea with a valuable player unavailable and a human story that extends far beyond football tactics or team selection.

Rosenior’s careful stance

When asked whether he had spoken to Mudryk since taking charge, Rosenior was honest and direct.

“Not yet,” he said. “It’s definitely something that I want to do, but there are many things I want to do and haven’t been able to do.

“But, no, he’s a magnificent player. He’s had a really difficult time and when the moment is right for me and him and the club, I’ll definitely have a conversation with him.”

Rather than rushing into contact for the sake of appearances, Rosenior is clearly prioritising substance over speed. For a manager still settling into his role, the focus has been on stabilising the squad, building relationships internally and understanding the wider structure of the club.

Asked to explain what the “right” moment would look like, Rosenior added more clarity.

“The time is right when I speak with the board and the sporting directors and when it’s right that he’s in a place where I can have an impact, in a positive way, on his career.”

It was a response that highlighted empathy as much as authority.

More than just a football decision

Mudryk arrived at Chelsea with huge expectations, having been signed for a fee that reflected both his raw talent and long-term potential. Known for his pace, direct running and ability to stretch defences, he has shown flashes of quality, even if consistency has been hard to find.

Before his suspension, Mudryk had contributed goals and assists in Europe and was beginning to carve out a clearer role in the squad. His goal against Heidenheim was a reminder of what he can offer when confidence and rhythm align.

Now, however, the challenge is not about form or fitness. It is about wellbeing, trust and timing.

Rosenior’s comments suggest he understands that a conversation held too early, or without the right support structures in place, could do more harm than good. By involving the board and sporting directors, he is signalling that any approach to Mudryk will be aligned with the club’s broader stance and the player’s personal situation.

Chelsea balancing football and responsibility

Chelsea are no strangers to high-profile issues, but Mudryk’s case is particularly delicate. The club must balance legal processes, public scrutiny and duty of care to a player who remains under contract but unable to do his job.

In that context, Rosenior’s refusal to be drawn into speculation is telling. By addressing the inaccurate training claims firmly, he protected both the club and the player from further confusion.

At the same time, his praise of Mudryk as a “magnificent player” ensures the winger does not feel forgotten or dismissed.

What happens next?

There is still no clear timeline on when Mudryk’s case will be resolved, nor when he might return to football. Until then, Chelsea can only plan without him, while keeping channels open behind the scenes.

For Rosenior, the priority is impact. When he does speak to Mudryk, he wants it to matter.

That approach fits the tone of a coach trying to build trust and stability in a squad that has experienced constant change. It also reflects a wider shift at Chelsea towards clearer communication and more thoughtful leadership.