Where is Mykhailo Mudryk? Out-of-favour Chelsea winger suffers another setback after missing Blues' last two games

Mudryk, who did not play a part in the Blues' last two matches and had made only one appearance in November, was absent from Enzo Maresca's training session ahead of the club's upcoming Europa Conference League match against Astana on Thursday. Per Football.London, the Ukrainian is suffering from an illness and is not part of the travelling squad. Journalist Simon Johnson further claimed that Joao Felix has also picked up an injury and was not included in the team heading to Kazakhstan. In the absence of two key members, Maresca has named several academy players in his roster.

While Mudryk has made only seven appearances in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign and has clocked just 146 minutes on the pitch, in Europe, he has been an integral member of Maresca's side. In four matches he has played thus far, the 23-year-old has scored three goals and provided as many assists. With the Blues set to rest most of their key first-team members, Mudryk's absence will come as a blow to the team.

There have been speculations over the Ukraine international's future at Stamford Bridge. The west London side are reportedly prepared to offload the winger with Marseille keen on signing him.

After facing Astana in Europe, the in-form Chelsea side will be back in the Premier League on Sunday as they take on Brentford at home.