Manchester City's hopes of advancing in the UEFA Champions League faced another twist as defender Abdukodir Khusanov arrived late at the team's hotel before their pivotal match against Real Madrid. The 20-year-old's delayed arrival was due to unexpected visa complications, which have raised eyebrows at this critically important juncture of the tournament.
Khusanov was captured on camera by Spanish sports program El Chiringuito, walking through the hotel entrance at approximately 12:40 AM local time on Wednesday, only hours before the much-anticipated match. Initially, the show’s hosts expressed concerns about his well-being, but reports later confirmed he arrived safely and appeared to be in good condition. The late entrance certainly added to the drama as Manchester City prepares to overturn a narrow 3-2 first-leg deficit against the 15-time Champions League winners.
The Uzbek international's travel complications stemmed from his Uzbekistan passport amid the UK's exit from the European Union and the Schengen zone. To navigate this situation, Khusanov was required to fly to Greece, where he secured the necessary visa before attempting to reach Spain privately. This roundabout route undoubtedly caused the delay compared to his teammates, who arrived more smoothly and well-rested.
Khusanov's recent performances with Manchester City have earned him attention, particularly his involvement during the 4-0 victory against Newcastle just days earlier. Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, Khusanov was entrusted to fill the spot alongside John Stones at the heart of City's defense. Prior to Saturday's match, the young defender had faced some challenges during his debut against Chelsea, which included conceding a goal and receiving a yellow card within his first ten minutes on the pitch.
Despite these initial struggles, Khusanov’s showing against Newcastle significantly bolstered his standing within the squad. He helped maintain the clean sheet as City recorded one of their most convincing performances of the season. Guardiola has acknowledged the potential Khusanov brings to the squad, emphasizing the importance of his natural aggression and physical abilities on the field.
“He arrived safely,” noted the hosts on El Chiringuito, alleviating fears surrounding the young player's late entrance. Yet with Khusanov’s unorthodox travel arrangements looming over the squad, it remains uncertain how this may influence Guardiola’s decision to feature him against Madrid.
Guardiola's task is made even more complicated following the injury to regular right-back Manuel Akanji, who will be unavailable for up to ten weeks. With other options limited, Khusanov may still be called upon to start against Madrid. The City manager expressed the need for courage and perfection this week during his press conference as he addressed the uphill battle facing his side.
“You have to make an almost perfect game,” Guardiola asserted, willing his team to play fearlessly and capitalize on their strengths to overcome Real Madrid and secure their European futures.
The stakes could not be higher as Manchester City attempts to seize victory at the Santiago Bernabéu later Wednesday evening. The team will look to revitalize their Champions League campaign with Khusanov potentially poised for his first appearance on this prestigious stage—a significant milestone for the young defender.
While many Manchester City fans are hopeful for Khusanov's rise to stardom following his successful domestic performances, Guardiola's ability to adjust the lineup and inspire his players remains integral if they are to defy the odds against the seasoned European giants this week.
With City needing to find the form to beat the best on the continent, the pressure is palpable, and the anxieties are brewing. Will Khusanov's aspirations on European soil be dashed or will he solidify his place as one of Guardiola's key players, overcoming the significant obstacles before him?