A Manchester City centre-back faces a battle to be fit for the Manchester derby | OneFootball

Abdukodur Khusanov was substituted late on during Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton yesterday at the Amex Stadium. Ruben Dias replaced the uncompromising centre-back in the 85th minute of yesterday’s match. Khusanov had played well until he was taken off. It has now been revealed that Khusanov has sustained a left calf injury. That is a blow for Manchester City, and Khusanov now seemingly faces a battle to be fit for the Manchester derby that follows the  international break.

Abdukodur Khusanov has been withdrawn from international duty with Uzbekistan.

Tyrone Marshall has reported for Manchester Evening News that Abdukodur Khusanov has been withdrawn from Uzbekistan’s upcoming internationals. Furthermore, Marshall reports Khusanov sustained a calf injury during Manchester City’s loss to Brighton yesterday. Marshall further reports that Khusanov is set to be sidelined for two weeks. Lastly, it is reported that Khusanov will remain in Manchester while he recovers from the calf injury he sustained yesterday.

Manchester City will be hoping that Khusanov can recover in time for the Manchester derby.

Abdukodur Khusanov performed well against Brighton at the Amex Stadium yesterday. His pace and strength in a challenge were on full display against Brighton.  The young defender was one of Manchester City’s better players before injury struck. He played with a poise beyond his years and his performance gave hope that Khusanov could be an important player for Manchester City this season.

Looking ahead to Manchester City’s clash with Manchester United on September 14, Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Khusanov is fit for the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. It would be expected that Ruben Amorim’s side will sit deep defensively and look to exploit Manchester City’s high defensive line. The pace and strength of Khusanov could be important in City snuffing out the threat that Manchester United possess on the break.

It is now a waiting game to see if Abdukodur Khusanov will be fit for the Manchester derby. The hope is that after two weeks off the young centre-back can recover from the calf injury he sustained yesterday.