Manchester City receive major fitness boost ahead of crunch Premier League and Champions League clashes | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have received a significant boost to their options in defence ahead of a crunch run of upcoming fixtures across competitions.

The Premier League giants are entering another intense period of their season, with key domestic and European encounters set to take place before the upcoming November international break – the final such pause of the calendar year.

Guardiola’s side have maintained a strong level of form despite defensive absences, but squad depth has been tested across recent weeks amid a congested fixture schedule and a demanding run of performances, culminating in a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Manchester City have faced setbacks across their backline and midfield, with the tactical flexibility that underpins the side’s system often relying on defenders adapting across positions, and reinforcements returning to fitness could prove decisive.

That added stability arrives at the perfect time, with the club preparing for a pivotal run of matches that includes a Carabao Cup fourth round tie away at Swansea City, Premier League clashes with Bournemouth and Liverpool, and a Champions League league phase meeting with Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.

As revealed in recent photographs released by Manchester City, the first-team squad has welcomed Abdukodir Khusanov back into first-team training following a relatively lengthy period on the sidelines through injury.

Khusanov has not featured for City since their 1–1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in September, missing seven matches across three different competitions during his recovery period.

The Uzbekistan international had made a promising start to life in the squad since joining from RC Lens during the last January transfer window, and is now closing in on a potential return to matchday contention.

His reintroduction will come as a welcome relief for Pep Guardiola, who values Abdukodir Khusanov’s composure, ball progression, and adaptability across multiple defensive roles including right-back.

The 20-year-old’s recovery adds fresh energy to a squad that has looked stretched at times, particularly with Pep Guardiola favouring tactical balance and control in high-intensity fixtures.

Should Khusanov continue to progress smoothly in training, he could be in line for selection as soon as this weekend and the home clash with Bournemouth in the Premier League, potentially offering depth during Cup commitments or European fixtures.