Abdukodir Khusanov substituted due to ‘muscular problems’ as Pep Guardiola provides injury update | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued an update on the fitness of Abdukodir Khusanov following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton.

The Uzbekistan international has enjoyed a bright start to life in Manchester, with his speed and defensive awareness making him a useful option for Pep Guardiola in the early stages of his Etihad Stadium career.

Having featured prominently in various big games during the second-half of last season, Abdukodir Khusanov was handed his first start of the new campaign at the Amex Stadium, stepping up in a backline already facing questions following the defeat to Tottenham.

City, however, could not make their dominance count against Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton, who punished them with decisive goals during the second-half of the fixture to cancel out Erling Haaland’s opener.

The result means back-to-back defeats in the Premier League for Pep Guardiola’s men, with pressure mounting ahead of their return to action after the international break. As well as the result, concern quickly turned to Khusanov, who was forced off in the second half.

The 21-year-old’s withdrawal sparked fears, given his importance and City’s already-growing injury list in other positions. With Manuel Akanji finalising a loan exit, and John Stones’ fitness still being managed, Khusanov’s availability could prove crucial.

Speaking during his post-match press conference from the Amex Stadium, manager Pep Guardiola was quizzed for an update on Khusanov – who had once again impressed when called upon for a Manchester City start.

“Against fast, fast players; with Khusa [Abdukodir Khusanov] he can handle it because he’s so fast,” Guardiola said, in significant praise for the Uzbekistan international.

The Manchester City boss continued, “But unfortunately he had a knock, a kick, and he had problems in muscular and that’s why he could not continue.”

When asked for an update on the severity of the youngster’s injury, the 54-year-old coach clarified, “I think Khusa is fine, he’s fine.”

For City, the update will come as somewhat of a relief given fears over a lengthy lay-off, with Pep Guardiola having already dismissed the prospect of further additions to his outfield squad before the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

The club’s stance also means Abdukodir Khusanov’s role will likely expand further, especially with Akanji agreeing to a season-long loan move to Inter, who will also hold an option to buy the defender in the summer of 2026.

Looking ahead, the international break will provide the ideal opportunity for Khusanov to recover fully before Manchester City return to Premier League action with a derby day clash against Manchester United.

Guardiola has often highlighted the importance of squad rotation in long campaigns, and the 21-year-old’s ability to play across the defensive line could become increasingly valuable as the season goes on.