Chelsea passed Mykhailo Mudryk injury shock after unsettling Kyle Walker moment.
Mykhailo Mudryk may return to west London with an injury after a collision with Kyle Walker that did not favor the Chelsea player. In a 2024 European championship qualifying match between Ukraine and England in Poland, Mudryk started on the left wing, so Man City’s Walker was tasked with halting him.
Following a tense first twenty minutes, Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Ukraine the lead by sneaking in behind Declan Rice and striking the ball past Jordan Pickford.
Walker scored England’s equalizer when he latched onto an exquisite through pass over the Ukraine defense, which allowed him to sneak past Georgiy Bushchan.
The second half was replete with close calls, including Bukayo Saka’s crossbar-strike, as Ukraine continued to press forward. Despite his best efforts, Mudryk rarely threatened Jordan Pickford’s goal, with Walker clearly topping the individual contest.
That reality came to light twice in the late stages as Walker first eased Mudryk’s lightening run out of play before he grabbed the 22-year-old after his failed Cruyff turn which saw him fall to the deck holding his calf.
Earlier in the half, he received treatment after being on the receiving end of a physical challenge from Marcus Rashford but was able to continue; however, he requested to be replaced this time.
His lack of Premier League minutes was perhaps highlighted by what appeared to be cramp in the closing stages, and Chelsea will be hopeful there is no muscle injury.
Mudryk has already missed a portion of the current season due to injury, and despite a strong preseason, he has failed to make an enduring impression.
Ben Chilwell, despite being a natural left-back, has been utilized in his preferred position as Pochettino’s tactical experiment has been called into doubt.
Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer’s presence on the bench during the loss to Nottingham Forest also led to an increase in complaints, but Mudryk struggled to prove he deserved to start against Bournemouth on September 17.
In response to the widespread discontent, Chilwell pleaded with supporters for their patience. “It is uncharted territory, but the manager has put his faith in me to perform there, so I endeavor to repay that faith. “I continue to learn as I go,” he said.
“I’ve played left-back and then left wing-back, and now I’m back in a more advanced position. I anticipate feeling pressure to contribute to objectives. Over the next few games, I will focus on this at Chelsea to increase our goal threat. [I need to] aim, instead of passing the ball.”
Chelsea passed Mykhailo Mudryk injury shock after unsettling Kyle Walker moment.