Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk was thrown into his first start for his new club on Friday night against west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The Ukraine international made the switch to Stamford Bridge in January, signing for a fee that could rise to as much as £88.5million.
It came as a huge surprise given the links with a move to Arsenal as well as the Gunners having several bids turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk. It was the Blues that came out on top though as the new ownership stamped their authority in the market by landing the 22-year-old.
Mudryk was handed his first minutes from the bench away at Liverpool in a 0-0 draw, but looked particularly bright in those few touches he was afforded. A week off followed as the side weren't in FA Cup action, meaning more preparation was put in before making his full debut against Fulham.
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While there were some sparks of his pace and ability, he failed to capture the headlines and was hooked off at half-time as Noni Madueke made his debut from the bench after joining form PSV Eindhoven in January. There were questions over whether there was an injury concern for the forward, with Gary Neville saying on Sky Sports: "I didn't think he would but he has [subbed Mudryk off], it's a brave one. Certainly does not help the confidence of a new signing," before questioning if he was injured.
It doesn't seem as though injury was the issue for Mudryk though as Potter confirmed that it was an illness that was the problem for the winger. He told BeinSports: "Mudryk had a cold." despite deciding to start the player in the clash from the start.
It remains to be seen whether the forward will be involved against West Ham next week, with the youngster having a lack of minutes under his belt on top of his illness.
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