Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola spoke about Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov at a press conference ahead of the team’s match against Fulham.

The Spanish manager was asked about Khusanov’s condition after the defender suffered a blow to the head from a knee during the game against Liverpool. Although he received medical treatment, City’s coaching staff ultimately decided to substitute him with Ruben Dias. 

Guardiola said Khusanov is in good condition and could feature against Fulham.

The City manager also commented on the player’s progress in learning English.

“He doesn’t speak like William Shakespeare, I agree. But his English is improving day by day. He understands what we want and what is being said. Every time he gets better. Khusanov is very intelligent. Sometimes people think that if a footballer is physically strong, powerful, and fast, then he cannot think. That is absolutely wrong. He always makes the right decisions. Usually, players with that kind of physique don’t know how to use it properly, but he has both physical strength and intelligence. He is open to learning, so he can continue to improve. Manchester City have a central defender for many, many years,” Guardiola said.