Questions and answers about Abduqodir Husanov's series without a game

Abduqodir Husanov has not played for "Manchester City" for a month. He last appeared on March 30, when he was substituted during the halftime of the FA Cup quarter-final match against "Bournemouth," and since then he has not played a single minute in any of the team's six matches across all tournaments.

During this time, this topic has remained in the spotlight for Uzbek football fans, with various speculations about the reasons for his goalless streak, including some absurd theories. Below, we recall what has been said about Abduqodir's drop from the main squad.

Trip to Uzbekistan

Unfortunately, Husanov's substitution coincided with his trip to Uzbekistan, which naturally led fans and the football community to link these two events.

However, it can be said that the assumptions that he was punished by the coach for being seen in various videos and events during his visit to Tashkent or that he lost his form have lost their basis over time. Because even though he hasn't played, Husanov has been included in the squad for all subsequent matches except for the one against "Leicester." If it were due to a disciplinary decision or a loss of form, Guardiola would have temporarily excluded him from the main team altogether. The coach himself has also mentioned the size of the squad and that some players have dropped out of the roster. That is, at the moment, there are enough players in the "City" squad who could take Abduqodir's place, both in the main lineup and in the roster.

Injury

Information about the player having an injury came from Uzbekistan national team coach Timur Kapadze. He mentioned that he spoke with Husanov, who required recovery after long travels for World Cup qualifying matches, which is why his performance was not up to par during the first half of the match against "Bournemouth," and Guardiola substituted him due to receiving a yellow card, as well as sustaining a minor injury to his leg during a collision in the game.

However, it later became clear that this was not actually a serious reason. He may have experienced a minor knock, but it was not an injury severe enough to cause him to drop from the squad. In any case, the club did not report any injury, and the player continues to participate regularly in training.

The Shampoo Incident

In mid-April, after Husanov missed four consecutive matches, an account with around 73,000 followers on social media X spread a very unreliable and ridiculous piece of information. It claimed that during a conversation with Pep Guardiola, Husanov attempted to call him "champion" but mispronounced it as "shampoo," which supposedly angered the coach, leading him to consider transferring Husanov.

Surprisingly, this absurd version was reported by many outlets.

That account later clarified that the post was a joke, and it was a humorous "guess" about what might have happened with the player.

At the same time, it should be noted that it is important for Husanov to improve his English as much as possible to enhance his relationship with Pep.

Tactical Change

Now we have reached the main part of the issue. In football, it is rare for defenders to be substituted during or after halftime. Abduqodir Husanov has been substituted twice after the first half in "City" matches.

There is a difference between the substitution in his debut match against "Chelsea" and the substitution in the cup match against "Bournemouth." In the first case, the coach wanted to ensure protection against a red card, considering his aggressive play, while also giving the young player a bit more time at the start of the second half to avoid a complete disaster in his debut.

In the second case, after a disappointing first half, Guardiola took measures to save the game. He remembered that Gvardiol, who had been playing as a left-back, was actually a central defender and moved him to the left side of the central defense, while Dias shifted to the right side, taking Husanov's place.

Niko O'Reilly was brought in to replace Gvardiol on the left flank. This change immediately paid off, and the young player's actions turned the game around, contributing to victory goals against "Bournemouth" through active involvement in attacks from the left flank.

As a result, the coach decided not to change the successful scheme, which proved effective in subsequent matches as well – 5 wins and 1 draw in 6 games, with four of those matches keeping a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, those around the player also confirmed in a comment to Davron Fayziyev, head of the UFA press service, that there is no personal or professional conflict with Guardiola, who consistently pays attention to him in training, provides tactical instructions for his position, and that there are no physical issues with Husanov, nor any decline; the reason for not playing is healthy competition.

Loan

During the past month, the player has been rumored to be sent on loan to either Italy or Spain. Specifically, sources we have heard for the first time mentioned that he could be loaned to "Juventus" or "Barcelona."

However, all of this is just speculation. Firstly, it is natural for such rumors to circulate about any player who has fallen out of the main squad. Secondly, "City" needs a defender. Even if he is not playing in the main squad, every player has a role in maintaining healthy competition during training. Moreover, it would not be appropriate for the club's reputation to loan out a player who was purchased for a significant amount after just half a season.

Finally, the player's agent also categorically denied such rumors.

When will he play?

In a period where the team is fighting for a Champions League spot and cannot afford to lose any points, it is understandable that the young player is the next option after experienced and fit players like Gvardiol and Dias. Therefore, not only in tomorrow's match against "Wolverhampton" in the next round of the Premier League but also in all remaining matches until the end of the season, Husanov will likely remain on the bench.

There is a high probability that during the World Club Championship taking place in the summer, Dias will be given more rest, and Husanov may get a chance to play. Additionally, in the next season, when the schedule includes two matches per week, the coach will need to rotate, and depending on the opponents' style, Husanov may be trusted.

Of course, for this, the player needs to work harder during the pre-season training camps and earn the coaches' trust.

In conclusion

Let’s return to the end of January. At that time, would many have believed that Husanov would immediately and completely become a key player for "City"? No. He arrived at a time when the coach was suffering from a shortage of players and had to throw him into the match against "Chelsea" without any adaptation process or sufficient preparation. Due to injuries, there were no other players left to play.

In fact, just stepping onto the field for a club as big as "City" was an unbelievable event. In England, over the years, thousands of young players pass through various age groups, leagues, and stages, and only a few achieve their dreams.

He went, saw, and helped at the right moment. Later, the situation in the team stabilized, the main squad players returned, and a logical event occurred.

Now he awaits the next opportunity. Because the club bought him not for today, but for the future.