Abdukodir Khusanov has avoided a serious injury after colliding with Gianluigi Donnarumma during Manchester City’s defeat of Liverpool, while John Stones is also close to a return.
The Uzbek defender came together with his goalkeeper after making a last-ditch tackle to deny Cody Gakpo’s shot, taking a knee to the face in the process.
He was withdrawn immediately thereafter, prompting concussion concerns, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed he is fit and available to face Fulham on Wednesday night.
Asked for an update on the player, Guardiola said: “Yeah, good. He's able to play.”
Khusanov endured a turbulent start to life in Manchester after signing last January, but Guardiola has backed him to continue improving as he gets to grips with the English language - and classical literature.
“Maybe he had a difficult start here, but he's still only 21, and then there's the language barrier,” Guardiola pointed out.
“I admit, he doesn't speak like William Shakespeare, but he understands what we want and every time it is getting better and better. He is so intelligent. He always takes good decisions.
“Don't confuse about Khusa, on the ball he is getting better. I think he can improve, he is open-minded.
“I said recently that City have a player for many, many years.”
In further good news for City, Guardiola seemed to suggest that John Stones is closing in on a return to play, having spent months out with a hamstring injury.
Asked for an update on Stones, and the injured wingers Jremy Doku and Savinho, he explained: "John is back. He is fit, I would say, so yes, everyone is OK."
Stones has not appeared in a competitive match since December 2, when he managed 27 minutes in a 5-4 defeat of Fulham, and thus will not be likely to start at the Etihad on Wednesday, though he could make the squad.
Khusanov, meanwhile, could slot back in alongside Marc Guehi or Ruben Dias in central defence.
