Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Manchester City’s injury woes continue as one of their “massive” players has now withdrawn from international duty.
A host of Manchester City players are now on the sidelines, with Rayan Cherki the most notable new absence – he is set for a two-month layoff.
Phil Foden, Savinho, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are also on the sidelines.
Now, another Man City player has been confirmed as an injury absence, leading to his nation’s football association confirming that he’ll miss their games this month.
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Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at Amex Stadium on August 31, 2025
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Abdukodir Khusanov set for two-week layoff due to calf injury
The player in question is Abdukodir Khusanov, who was withdrawn from the Brighton clash with a knock.
Uzbekistan’s FA published an announcement on their Telegram channel in which they confirmed the City defender has suffered a calf injury.
“Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov felt unwell yesterday during Manchester City’s match against Brighton,” they wrote.
“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.”
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Manchester City may have made a mistake this summer
Khusanov is a “massive” player, in Pep Guardiola’s words, and it’s great that he started against Brighton after fans had been calling for him to be given a chance in the XI.
However, City have been weak at the back for a while now and, with Khusanov now getting injured, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be back for the Manchester United game.
Unless they can pull off a late signing, the Citizens may have made a big mistake in not bolstering their ranks at centre-back and right-back this summer.
In this day and age, especially for a club playing in the Premier League and Champions League, a small squad just won’t cut it.