Chelsea career over? Mudryk EXCLUDED for Liverpool clash

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 20 Oct 2024 15:47 BST
• 3 min read

Mykhailo Mudryk has been excluded from Chelsea’s matchday squad to face Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The Ukraine winger scored his first goal in 20 games while on international duty last week, but he has been dropped by Enzo Maresca after an underwhelming start to the new campaign.

Mudryk is yet to score his first Chelsea goal of the season, while he has only tallied three assists across all competitions for the Blues.

READ MORE: Mudryk ENDS goal drought amid uncertain Chelsea future

Jadon Sancho has immediately usurped Mudryk as Maresca’s first-choice left winger, following his arrival from Manchester United, while Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were selected on Chelsea’s bench ahead of the Ukrainian.

In addition, Maresca opted to include Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in Chelsea’s matchday squad to face Liverpool, while Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Renato Veiga will provide defensive cover.

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are both absent due to suspension, with Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Guiu alongside Mudryk as first-team players who have missed out at Anfield.

Meanwhile, club captain Reece James has returned from injury and he has been handed his first start of the new campaign.

READ MORE: Mudryk set for January exit after Maresca’s ‘do better’ warning

Mudryk’s Chelsea career over?

Mudryk’s exclusion from Chelsea’s squad against Liverpool comes following reports that he could leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has only racked up 81 minutes of Premier League action so far this season, and both Marseille and Strasbourg have been linked with a loan move in January.

Mudryk only has 14 goal contributions in 66 Chelsea appearances, and the Blues’ decision to spend an initial €70 million on the Ukraine international has aged poorly.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at less than €50m, while his current contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2031.