Manchester City could be forced to wait a little longer for the return of Abdukodir Khusanov, as fresh reports from Uzbekistan suggest that his comeback has been delayed by another week.
The young defender, who has been out since sustaining an injury during the 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal last month, has seen his recovery progress slower than the club initially hoped.
Despite early optimism that he might resume full training after the international break, the 21-year-old has yet to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s first-team sessions.
This latest setback means that Khusanov will likely miss Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Journalist Davron Fayziev revealed that the Uzbekistan international’s rehabilitation is ongoing, but the club’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating his condition.
Since joining City in January, Khusanov has impressed both teammates and coaches with his composure on the ball and tactical flexibility. Capable of playing as a centre-back or right-back, his adaptability has made him an important option for Pep Guardiola, particularly during periods when the team has been stretched by injuries and fixture congestion. The City manager reportedly views Khusanov as a long-term project with the potential to develop into a key player for the future.
Before his injury, Khusanov had begun to find his rhythm in the squad, featuring in several competitive fixtures and earning positive reviews for his maturity and calm defending.
However, his absence has been notable across competitions, with the defender missing matches against Huddersfield, Burnley, AS Monaco, and Brentford before the international break.
Manchester City’s backline has already faced multiple injury concerns this season, making Khusanov’s setback particularly untimely. Pep Guardiola has been forced to rotate his defensive unit frequently, often adjusting his tactics to compensate for missing personnel.
The delay in Khusanov’s recovery means Guardiola will need to continue relying on other defensive options in the short term.
The good news for City fans is that Khusanov’s injury is not considered severe. The delay is mainly precautionary, as the club aims to ensure that the young defender returns fully fit and ready for the demanding schedule ahead.
If his recovery continues without further complications, Khusanov could be available for selection when Manchester City face Aston Villa next week.
Supporters will be eager to see him back on the pitch soon. His early performances suggested he could play a significant role in City’s future defensive setup, possibly even offering a long-term solution to the team’s right-back dilemma. For now, patience remains key as the club prioritizes his full recovery before welcoming him back into action.
