Abdukodir Khusanov was forced off during Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City after the young defender suffered a sickening head injury
18:06, 08 Feb 2026Updated 18:06, 08 Feb 2026
Manchester City star Abdukodir Khusanov was forced off with a concussion substitute after he suffered a sickening head injury against Liverpool.
The young Uzbek had put in some brave last minute defending, sliding into a challenge to deny a Liverpool side that were growing in confidence, but an onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma clashed with defender. And replays showed his head making contact with the Italian’s knee.
Khusanov looked out cold, and Donnarumma leapt to his feet and yelled for the physio to make his way onto the pitch. He was quick to receive medical treatment and was able to leave the pitch on his own accord.
Abdukodir Khusanov was forced off as a result
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The defender was keen to get back onto the pitch, and was in discussion with Pep Guardiola. However, the doctor stood firm and made sure he wouldn’t make a return to the action.
As a result, City were able to use their concussion substitute as he was replaced by a returning Ruben Dias.
One fan shared on X: “Good to see Khusanov get taken off after that clash with Donnarumma. He literally took a knee to the face there. Common sense prevails when it comes to head injuries for once!”
“Absolutely gutted for Khusanov. Has been a rock for us at the back during this difficult phase,” a second said.
As a third posted: “Good from Pep there listening to the medical advice from the physio’s who weren’t having Khusanov back on the pitch after taking a wack to the head!”
A fourth admitted: “Fair play to the physio for forcing Khusanov off. Can’t mess around with head injuries, of course the player always wants to continue but correct decision made there.
And another added: “Gutted for Khusanov but you can’t play around with head injuries. The right decision to bring him off.”
