- Abdukodir Khusanov absent from squad against Brentford
- Defender suffering from injury
- Pep Guardiola provides details
Pep Guardiola has explained why Abdukodir Khusanov is missing from today’s Manchester City matchday squad.
Manchester City are up against Brentford, with kick-off fast approaching at the Etihad Stadium. For the hosts, winning is an obligation.
The Citizens dropped points against Everton on Monday, which means they are now five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table.
Worse still, that match has seen one player pick up an injury which keeps him out of this evening’s fixtures.
Abdukodir Khusanov has a minor injury
According to Sky Sports (as relayed by Simon Bajkowski), Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Khusanov has not made today’s matchday squad due to an injury.
It is not a major issue, but the defender is unavailable after suffering a ‘tough knock in a painful area’ at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Nathan Ake has stepped in the Uzbek warrior’s absence, making his first Premier League start since a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in January.
Tijjani Reijnders also steps up
Along with Khusanov, Rodri is also out of action. The Portugal international’s spot in the team was most recently filled by Nico Gonzalez, but he has been switched out.
It is a big game for Reijnders, as he will be expected to play a pivot role at the heart of City’s midfield.
The Dutchman will be making his 47th appearance in all competitions this evening, but like Ake he has made a Premier League start since the first month of the year.
Man City need to win
The Premier League title race will be over tonight if Man City are unable to come away with all three points.
Therefore, the Sky Blues must do everything in their power to get over the line on an overcast Saturday evening.
Win tonight and the pressure is on Arsenal, who must face a West Ham side determined to avoid relegation tomorrow.
This is going to be a huge game, and Guardiola will be hoping that he has made the right decisions with his team selection.
