Mykhailo Mudryk Set to Feature for Ukraine in European Championship Qualifier Despite Injury Scare
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to be involved in Ukraine’s European Championship qualifier against Malta having trained with the group following an injury scare. The 22-year-old started last Saturday’s clash with North Macedonia but required treatment in the 80th minute with manager Serhiy Rebrov opting to replace him shortly after.
A 2-0 victory for Ukraine left them with real hope of earning an automatic qualifying spot for next summer’s tournament. Ukraine are currently third, level on 10 points with Italy who are in action against England tonight. A win or a draw for Gareth Southgate’s side will secure their place in Euro 2024, leaving Italy and Ukraine to fight it out for second place in November.
Ukraine are away to Malta on Tuesday night with Mudryk seen training with the rest of the squad at the Malta National Stadium on Monday. Chelsea host Arsenal in their first game back after the international break on Saturday 21 October and will hope for no more injury concerns ahead of that clash.
Chelsea Injury Concerns
The Blues face an anxious wait over Axel Disasi after an injury concern emerged last week. The 25-year-old has been ever-present in Pochettino’s starting XI this season, called into the France squad to replace the injured Dayot Upamecano. Disasi himself withdrew shortly after however, undergoing a scan which revealed ‘a tear in the quadriceps of the left thigh’, according to a statement released by the French FA.
Cole Palmer meanwhile will miss England Under-21s European Championship qualifier against Ukraine after picking up a knock in the 9-1 thrashing of Serbia. England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley provided an update on Sunday afternoon. While not overly concerned by the knock, the former Everton midfielder said no risks would be taken with such a huge game for his club looming large next weekend.
‘I think Cole would be fine, but we don’t take any chances with any of the players,’ said Carsley. ‘If there is a slight doubt that they’re going to miss a game at the weekend, we get them back to the clubs as quickly as we can. We could’ve kept Cole here another day and see how it was, but we didn’t think it was right.’
Strikers Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson also returned to Cobham last week after leaving the Alania and Senegal squads early.
Conclusion
Mykhailo Mudryk is set to feature for Ukraine in their European Championship qualifier against Malta despite an injury scare last weekend. Chelsea will be hoping that no more injury concerns arise ahead of their first game back after the international break against Arsenal on Saturday 21 October. The Blues face an anxious wait over Axel Disasi and Cole Palmer who both withdrew from their respective squads due to injury concerns.