Chelsea suffer second straight pre-season defeat as Mykhailo Mudryk returns against Juventus

Chelsea fell to a second consecutive pre-season defeat after Edon Zhegrova’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Juventus in Hong Kong.

Xabi Alonso’s side created the better opportunities at Kai Tak Stadium but were unable to find a breakthrough before Zhegrova curled home the winning goal in the 68th minute.

The fixture also marked the return of Mykhailo Mudryk, who made his first Chelsea appearance in 20 months after serving his suspension.

Mudryk makes long-awaited comeback

Mudryk replaced Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute to make his first senior appearance since November 2024.

The winger almost reached an overhit pass from Estevao with his first involvement before delivering a late cross as Chelsea searched for an equaliser.

His return came just days after his suspension for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium officially came to an end following a settlement with the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Chelsea unable to convert chances

Chelsea enjoyed the better of the chances but could not make their superiority count.

Danny Welbeck made his first appearance since joining from Brighton but was unable to find the net, while Jamie Gittens and Marco Palestra also saw opportunities go begging.

Jackson featured for the first time in over a year following his loan spell at Bayern Munich, coming on at half-time before making way for Mudryk late in the game.

Nicoll-Jazuli impresses again

One of Chelsea’s standout performers during pre-season has been 16-year-old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.

After an encouraging display against Tottenham, the academy graduate was handed his first senior start alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield against Juventus.

The England Under-17 international produced another composed performance, regularly demanding possession and winning the ball high up the pitch to create a first-half chance for Jamie Gittens.

Despite primarily operating as an attacking midfielder at academy level, Nicoll-Jazuli has adapted well in a deeper role and has featured more than any other Chelsea midfielder during pre-season.

Chelsea view the teenager as one of the club’s brightest academy prospects, having already become the youngest player to score and feature for the club in the UEFA Youth League last season. He is expected to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in January and could make his competitive first-team debut during the upcoming campaign.

One of Chelsea’s standout performers during pre-season has been 16-year-old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.

After an encouraging display against Tottenham, the academy graduate was handed his first senior start alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield against Juventus.

The England Under-17 international produced another composed performance

Chelsea continue pre-season preparations

Although Chelsea have now suffered back-to-back defeats, Alonso continues to assess his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Mudryk’s return provides another attacking option after his lengthy absence, while Nicoll-Jazuli’s performances have been one of the biggest positives to emerge from the club’s pre-season tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored in Chelsea’s defeat to Juventus?
Edon Zhegrova scored the only goal of the game with a curling effort in the 68th minute.

Why did Mykhailo Mudryk return?
Mudryk made his first Chelsea appearance after his suspension for testing positive for meldonium came to an end following a settlement with the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Who is Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli?
Nicoll-Jazuli is Chelsea’s 16-year-old academy midfielder who has impressed throughout pre-season and is regarded as one of the club’s leading young prospects.

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