Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted injury has kept Abdukodir Khusanov out of the squad to take on Brentford
Pep Guardiola has revealed why Abdukodir Khusanov is missing from Manchester City’s squad to face Brentford. The young central defender has been a key performer for Arsenal’s title rivals over the last few months, but is unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford due to an issue, as confirmed by Guardiola.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Khusanov’s absence, Guardiola said: “He got a tough knock in a painful area, against Everton, he’s not ready.”
Nathan Ake has replaced him in the starting XI with City and Guardiola also boosted by the return of Ruben Dias to the bench. He has been missing with a hamstring injury since the Carabao Cup final clash between the two back in mid-March.
There is however, still no place for Rodri in his City squad with the Spaniard having not played since the 2-1 win over Arsenal.
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Josko Gvardiol is City’s other injury absentee with the Croatia international working his way back from a fractured leg. Guardiola issued a positive update on his condition earlier this week.
City simply have to win at Etihad Stadium this evening to stay in the title race with the 3-3 draw against Everton on Monday seeing them five points adrift of Arsenal.
The Gunners have their game week 36 clash the following day as they make the short trip to West Ham United. Mikel Arteta’s side are fresh off qualifying for the Champions League final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain are their opponents in Budapest later this month with Arsenal four games from a historic double as such. Burnley and Crystal Palace face Arsenal after this weekend and before their European final.
Returns for Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard saw the Gunners’ injury list decrease but Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable.
When asked if either could play again this season, Arteta replied: “I don’t know there is still a fair bit to do. Everything needs to be so smooth and quick.
On Timber’s complicated injury, he added: “Yes and that has probably been the most difficult thing to manage, with the player, with myself as well. We didn’t expect it to take so long and he’s not fit to play.”
The Netherlands international has been out of action since early March and was captured moving gingerly during the celebrations at Emirates Stadium earlier this week.
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