According to a new report from GiveMeSport, the suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk may end earlier than initially expected — potentially allowing the Chelsea star to return to action as soon as spring 2026.

The outlet notes that Chelsea’s decision to register Mudryk for the current season could indicate that the club already anticipated the likely outcome of the doping investigation and expected his ban to conclude during the campaign. That, according to the report, is why his name remained on the official squad list.

GiveMeSport also suggests that Chelsea may look to ease Mudryk back into competitive football by sending him on loan — specifically to Strasbourg, the French club owned by the same group as Chelsea. News of such a move could surface as early as January. The player’s long-term future, the report adds, will depend on how quickly Mudryk regains form and rhythm in the first months after his return.