Despite being suspended since December, Mykhailo Mudryk is expected to receive a UEFA Europa Conference League medal if Chelsea go all the way in the competition – and rightly so.

Chelsea booked their place in the final of the Conference League after a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgarden, setting up a showdown with Spanish side Real Betis.

UEFA regulations allow 50 medals to be awarded to each finalist club, and while it is up to the club to distribute them, it’s understood Mudryk is on the list to receive one.

The Ukrainian winger might not be part of the final squad, but his contribution to Chelsea’s journey in the competition cannot be ignored. Mudryk featured in six matches before his suspension took effect in December, registering three goals and three assists – numbers that place him among the club’s top performers in the tournament.

In a team that has rotated heavily under Enzo Maresca, Mudryk’s early-season performances were crucial in establishing momentum in Europe.

Interestingly, Mudryk isn’t the only one in line for a medal despite not featuring in recent rounds. Players currently out on loan, including Joao Felix at AC Milan and Renato Veiga at Juventus, could also receive medals if Chelsea triumph. It speaks to the depth and rotation Chelsea have employed across all competitions this season.

While some may question awarding medals to non-finalists, it’s worth remembering that European success is built over months, not a single night. Mudryk helped lay the foundation. Now it’s up to the rest of the squad to finish the job.

Should Chelsea lift the Conference League trophy, Mudryk’s medal will be more than a keepsake – it will be a deserved recognition of his impact before misfortune struck.