A tough Manchester City defender is available for City’s clash with Fulham | OneFootball

Abdukodir Khusanov sustained a serious head knock in the second half as Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday. The young centre-back took a knee from Gianluigi Donnarumma while making an important clearance in the second half of City’s comeback win. Khusanov was replaced by Ruben Dias after an hour at Anfield. Speaking earlier today, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Khusanov is available to play in Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium. Given Khusanov’s impressive form over the past ten matches, that is a big boost for Manchester City ahead of a game they have to win.

Abdukodir Khusanov is available for Manchester City’s clash with Fulham.

Speaking earlier today, Pep Guardiola was asked about the condition of Abdukodir Khusanov after the head knock he sustained against Liverpool. Pep Guardiola confirmed that the young centre-back is available for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham. Speaking on Khusanov’s condition, Pep Guardiola said: “He’s good and able to play.”

Pep Guardiola also praised Khusanov for his impressive recent displays. Guardiola explained that Khusanov is growing as a defender, and his pace his a key attribute of his play. Speaking on Khusanov, Guardiola said: “He is so intelligent. Normally you have the opinion that he’s so physical, so strong and fast, he’s not able to think and it’s completely the opposite. He’s always taking good positions.”

“He’s so, so fast. To recover that position is one of his attributes. But not just that, don’t confuse about Khusa, he’s intelligent. Normally when a player has this physicality he doesn’t use what’s going on and it’s always his physical condition, and he has both.”

“That’s why on the ball he’s getting better. That’s why he’s encouraged to improve. And he can improve. At that age and he’s open minded and I said yeah, recently, City have a player in central defence for many, many years.”

Khusanov deserves high praise for his strong form for Manchester City.

Having Abdukodir Khusanov available for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham is a boost for Pep Guardiola’s side. The young centre-back has been thrust into a prominent role in Manchester City’s defense due to the injuries suffered by Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. To Khusanov’s credit, he has risen to the challenge, and his growth as a centre-back and as an all-around player has been clear to see.

Khusanov started against Liverpool at Anfield. With Ruben Dias back from injury, Pep Guardiola trusted the young centre-back on the biggest stage. For an hour, Khusanov was superb. He snuffed out danger exceptionally well, and he was very good in possession. Unfortunately, injury struck and Khusanov’s time on the pitch was cut short after an hour. The good news is that Khusanov is available for Manchester City’s upcoming match against Fulham.

Abdukodir Khusanov has seemingly recovered from the head knock he sustained at Anfield. Whether or not he starts against Fulham remains to be seen. But his availability for an important match is good news for City as they look to build on the momentum built from City’s massive win over Liverpool at Anfield.