BREAKING: Abdukodir Khusanov Ruled Out for Man City’s Next Three Matches
Manchester City have been dealt a fresh blow as manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that young defender Abdukodir Khusanov will miss the club’s next three fixtures due to injury. The announcement, made during Guardiola’s pre-match press conference, has left both fans and pundits concerned about City’s defensive stability at a crucial stage of the season.
Khusanov, who joined City with high expectations, has quickly grown into an important figure in Guardiola’s backline. His versatility, ability to read the game, and calmness under pressure have made him a reliable option, especially as the team navigates a congested fixture list. However, the news of his injury now forces Guardiola to rethink his defensive strategy in the coming weeks.
According to sources close to the club, Khusanov sustained the injury during training earlier this week. While the specifics of the problem have not been fully disclosed, Guardiola admitted that the medical staff recommended rest and treatment, ruling him out for three games. “It’s unfortunate for Abdukodir. He’s been working very hard, adapting well to our style of play. But injuries are part of football. We will take care of him and make sure he comes back stronger,” Guardiola said.
The timing could not be worse for City. The next three games include key Premier League encounters as well as a Champions League fixture, where squad rotation is already under heavy strain. With Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji expected to shoulder more responsibility, Guardiola may be forced to call on younger players or shift midfielders into defensive roles if the situation worsens.
Khusanov’s absence also raises questions about City’s long-term squad depth. While the club is renowned for its depth in most positions, the central defense has been tested in recent months by injuries and suspensions. Many fans have taken to social media to express frustration, not at Khusanov himself, but at the lack of consistent defensive options available to Guardiola when it matters most.
At just 20 years old, Khusanov has already shown glimpses of why City invested in him. His composure, aerial ability, and knack for clean tackles have earned praise from both teammates and analysts. Missing three matches may not seem catastrophic, but in the Premier League, where every point counts, even a small absence can have big consequences.
For Khusanov personally, this setback comes at a time when he was establishing himself as a fan favorite. He had been earning plaudits for his rapid development and the way he handled high-pressure situations against top opposition. The injury stalls that momentum and could delay his progress in competing for a permanent starting spot.
Still, Guardiola struck an optimistic tone. “Abdukodir is young. These things happen, and it’s how players learn to become stronger — both physically and mentally. We trust him, and he will be back soon.”
As Manchester City aim to maintain their push for titles on multiple fronts, all eyes will be on how Guardiola compensates for Khusanov’s absence. For now, the hope is that the young defender’s recovery is swift and that he returns in time to contribute before the season’s decisive stretch.
