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Marshall: City dealt huge injury blow as defender withdraws from international duty

Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov will miss the September internationals after he picked up a calf injury against Brighton.

Abdukodir Khusanov

Abdukodir Khusanov picked up an injury at Brighton and will miss this week's international games

Abduokodir Khusanov faces a race to be fit for the Manchester derby after the centre back pulled out of the Uzbekistan squad with a calf injury picked up in City's win at Brighton.

The 21-year-old came off injured towards the end of the Blues' defeat on the south coast, and tests have revealed he has picked up a minor injury that is set to keep him out for two weeks.

That will leave Khusanov fighting to be fit for the clash with Manchester United on Sunday, September 14. The Etihad derby begins a crucial week for Pep Guardiola's side, with their Champions League campaign kicking off against Napoli and then a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, September 21.

Uzbekistan will face CAFA Nations Cup fixtures against Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan over the next week, but Khusanov will now remain with his club to try to return to full fitness.

A statement from the Uzbekistan FA said: "Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov felt unwell yesterday during Manchester City's match against Brighton. After tests, it was revealed that our player has a minor injury to his left calf muscle.

"According to preliminary findings, the recovery period is expected to be two weeks. It was announced that Khusanov will not be able to participate in the CAFA Nations Cup tournament, according to doctors' recommendations."

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the 2-1 defeat at Brighton, Pep Guardiola said he didn't expect Khusanov to miss any City games with the problem, insisting he had just picked up a knock.

City are still without Josko Gvardiol as he recovers from injury, while Manuel Akanji is set to leave the club on deadline day to join Inter Milan on loan.

Injury problems are mounting for Guardiola, with Rayan Cherki sidelined for two months with a thigh injury and Phil Foden still not considered fully fit.

Khusanov was a surprise starter at the Amex Stadium as he began a Premier League game for the first time in five months, having got the not ahead of Ruben Dias.

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