Abdukodir Khusanov
MCIUzbekistan
Right
Feb 29, 2004
22
6'1"
185 lb
CB
RB
Back Line Anchor
Man CityFive straight starts in defense
Khusanov is on a run of five consecutive starts and is increasingly establishing himself as a future piece in the back line.
Analysis: Khusanov continues to establish himself as a reliable option in the back line, combining physicality, pace and defensive aggression to handle duels and recover possession effectively. Competition remains strong with established options like Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi ahead in the hierarchy when fit, but injuries in defense have opened the door for him to earn consistent minutes, having started the last five matches across all competitions and increasingly being viewed as a long-term piece at the back.
Available against Fulham
Khusanov (head) is available for Wednesday's clash against Fulham, head coach Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference. "Yeah, he's good. Yes [he's ready to play]."
Analysis: Khusanov took a knock to the head during Sunday's win over Liverpool and exited via a concussion substitution, but the defender has checked out fine and is cleared to go. The Uzbek center-back will be available for Wednesday's matchup with the Cottagers, though his minutes could be managed in the coming weeks with Ruben Dias back healthy and expected to partner Marc Guehi at the heart of Manchester City's defense.
Suffers head injury
Khusanov (head) was forced off in the 61st minute of Sunday's 2-1 victory against Liverpool due to concussion protocols, according to Talksport.
Analysis: Khusanov was unable to continue after taking a blow to the head in a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma around the hour mark, forcing coach Pep Guardiola into a concussion substitution. The center-back saw his run of seven straight matches playing a full 90 minutes across all competitions come to an end and is now considered a doubt for Wednesday's matchup against Fulham. He will be monitored closely over the coming days, but if he is sidelined for any length of time, Ruben Dias is in line to regain a starting spot at the back now that he is fit and available.
Four interceptions in win
Khusanov generated two tackles (one won) and four interceptions in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Khusanov turned in a solid defensive performance against Wolverhampton on Saturday, recording two tackles and four interceptions while also adding one key pass. The defender, who has started the last five matches across all competitions, continues to showcase his qualities, totaling 10 tackles, 16 interceptions and 15 clearances during that span. He should continue to start alongside Marc Guehi, at least until the injured Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones return.
Returns Wednesday
Khusanov started and played 63 minutes during Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Swansea.
Analysis: Khusanov was deemed fit enough to return from a foot injury prior to Wednesday's clash and he did just that. The defender played just over an hour and moved well throughout. He's still working to earn a place in the starting XI, but with City competing in so many competitions he has an easy path to playing time.
Option for Wednesday
Khusanov (foot) is an option for Wednesday's match against Swansea City, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "Khusa is ready to play a few minutes tomorrow."
Analysis: Khusanov was nearing a return last contest but is finally back in the fold for the club, as the defender is fit from his foot injury. The question for the midfielder is how many minutes he will earn in the cup match, as he was deemed ready for a 'few minutes.' That said, he may only serve off the bench and earn limited time, working towards earning back the starting role he held through four of the first six games of the season before injury.
Close to return
Khusanov (foot) is close to make his return but isn't ready yet, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "He's close to coming back, but he's not ready yet. The injury is in a dangerous position."
Analysis: Khusanov won't return against Aston Villa on Sunday as the game comes too soon for him, but the defender is close to making his return to the pitch. He will likely be assessed next week to determine his progress, while the medical staff continues to monitor him closely since the injury is in a delicate area according to coach Pep Guardiola. Matheus Nunes has been the one starting at right-back in his absence.
Set to miss three games
Khusanov (foot) is expected to miss the next three games due to injury, coach Pep Guardiola confirmed to the media. "He will be out for the next three games, I think."
Analysis: Khusanov suffered a foot injury in Sunday's draw against Arsenal and is now set to miss the next three games as the issue turned out to be a serious one. He will be sidelined for the Premier League matches against Burnley and Brentford and the Champions League clash at Louis II against Monaco. The defender is targeting a return after the next international break against Everton on Oct. 18. Khusanov has started the last four games for Manchester City, so his absence will need to be compensated, with Matheus Nunes likely starting at right-back until he returns.
Off at half
Khusanov was forced off at halftime of Sunday's match against Arsenal due to an apparent foot injury.
Analysis: Khusanov had to end his day early Sunday after his foot was stepped on early in the contest, never looking 100 percent again and instead of continuing, he dropped to the sidelines. This will be something to watch for the club, as he has started their past three games and recently took over the role at right-back. He was replaced by Matheus Nunes, a likely replacement if he misses more time alongside Rico Lewis.
Starting Sunday
Khusanov (calf) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Khusanov suffered an injury just ahead of the break but has used the two weeks to recover, with the defender now fit and starting Sunday. The young defender has now earned two straight starts and has already appeared in three of the club's four games this season.
Expected to be available
Khusanov (calf) is expected to be available for Sunday's derby against Manchester United, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "The rest are fine."
Analysis: Khusanov suffered a calf injury before joining the Uzbekistan national squad but that injury revealed to be minor since he resumed team training and is expected to be available for Sunday's derby against the Red Devils. That said, the young center-back could even return directly to the starting XI if John Stones had to miss the game.
Dealing with calf injury
Khusanov is dealing with a left calf injury, according to the Uzbekistan FA, reports City Xtra.
Analysis: The center-back won't be able to represent Uzbekistan during the September international window, and it's uncertain if he'll be ready to return for the derby against Manchester United on Sept. 14. The initial recovery timeline provided was two weeks, so Khusanov could have a shot at being available for that matchup. If not, Ruben Dias is likely to slot back in, especially with John Stones also dealing with an injury.
Suffers knock Sunday
Khusanov was forced off in the 85th minute of Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Brighton due to a knock, coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference. "Khusa can handle it because he is so fast but unfortunately he had a knock and that's why he could not continue."
Analysis: Khusanov suffered a knock during Sunday's clash against the Seagulls and was forced off late in the game after being unable to continue. The defender will be assessed in the coming days to determine if the issue is more than just a knock, but the expectation is that he can recover during the international break. He should be back available for the derby against Manchester United after the break.
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