The Uzbekistan national team will likely be without one of its key defensive pairings at the World Cup. Khusniddin Alikulov, the regular centre-back partner of Abdukodir Khusanov, has been ruled out for six to nine months due to injury and is highly unlikely to recover in time for the tournament.
Alikulov was injured on 19 January during a Turkish Süper Lig match for Rizespor against Goztepe and was forced to leave the pitch. According to team doctor Hasan Turyut, the injury is extremely serious and requires surgery.
“Medical examinations have confirmed a rupture of the ACL in the left knee, patellar subluxation with associated MPFL damage, as well as tears to both the medial and lateral menisci, accompanied by bleeding and swelling. A decision has been made to proceed with surgical treatment.”
The defender is expected to miss six to nine months. Even under the most optimistic scenario, Alikulov will not be fit for the start of the World Cup. Uzbekistan’s opening match is scheduled for 17 June.
Alikulov, 26, is a first-choice and one of the most consistent players in the Uzbekistan national football team. When named in the squad, he almost always starts and typically plays the full match. Uzbekistan usually operate with a back three, with Alikulov and Khusanov forming the core of the defence. The third centre-back spot tends to rotate depending on players’ current form.