Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been used sparingly by manager Pep Guardiola in recent weeks.
The Uzbeki’s start at right-back in the Club World Cup group stage game against Al-Ain was his first since the 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the end of March.
Khusanov was an unused substitute as the Cityzens conceded four goals against Al-Hilal and fans on X have begun to wonder why Guardiola is reluctant to play him:
He is the future, get Dias and Akanji trashed
— Reymi ༘ (@MarmoushEra) July 1, 2025
I bet he would be good and even a beast in his position but will pep allow him play?
— Noble De Great 🔥 (@IgweChimuanya) July 1, 2025
The new players need playing time 😡💔
— Zino #MAN CITY🩵🩵🦍 (@ZinoFilms) July 1, 2025
I am scared that Pep won't play him 😭
— PhiStol TV (@PhistolT) July 1, 2025
be a great replacement for Dias, guys got the pace of a slug
— zzz. (@spinada_) July 1, 2025
I can see the future, Pep will bench him.
— SoMpilo Mahlangu 🇿🇦 (@SompiloM) July 1, 2025
Guardiola has made his feelings clear on Khusanov
The 21-year-old played on a regular basis immediately after he was signed from Lens for £34m during the January transfer window.
However, even when Khusanov was playing, Guardiola made it known that the centre-back still had plenty to learn and he was only being selected due to injuries to other players:
“It was not expected to play as much games but the situation that we have in the back-four all season made him play a lot of games.”
Man City are set to hand two defenders new contracts
While Khusanov may not be in favour at the moment, it appears the club are hoping to tie down two of his fellow teammates for the long term.
It has been reported that both Ruben Dias and Rico Lewis will be handed contract extensions.
In other news, a Manchester City midfielder is reportedly open to leaving the Etihad for a club in Turkey
