Pep Guardiola has made the surprising decision to leave out both Abdukodir Khusanov and Oscar Bobb from the Manchester City squad to face Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.The Premier League champions are aiming to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, while also maintaining their strong form from midweek when a rotated squad earned an impressive Carabao Cup victory over Swansea City.
With matches piling up before the November international break, Pep Guardiola has continued to rotate his lineup — carefully managing fitness and momentum across his squad.
Tactical Decisions Behind the Omission
According to MailSport journalist Jack Gaughan, both Abdukodir Khusanov and Oscar Bobb were left out for tactical reasons. The Manchester City boss made as many as eight changes to his starting XI from the midweek Carabao Cup match against Swansea City.
A few key names — Nico, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki — retained their spots, as Guardiola opted for a more experienced and physically robust lineup to face Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, who currently sit second in the Premier League table.
Neither player’s exclusion is related to form or fitness. Instead, it reflects Guardiola’s ongoing strategy of squad rotation and the need to adapt tactically against different opponents.
Guardiola’s Long-Term Vision for the Duo
Both Khusanov and Bobb remain integral parts of Manchester City’s long-term plans. The coaching staff have been impressed by their attitude, professionalism, and development since joining the senior setup.
Khusanov, in particular, is viewed as a potential long-term option at right-back once he reaches full fitness, while Bobb continues to show promise as a creative attacking outlet from the wings.
With crucial fixtures ahead — including both Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches — Guardiola is expected to rotate heavily in the coming weeks, opening up opportunities for both youngsters to feature again soon.
Squad Depth Will Be Key
Manchester City’s ongoing pursuit of silverware across multiple competitions demands strong squad depth. Guardiola’s ability to rotate between talented players like Khusanov and Bobb will be essential in maintaining high performance levels throughout the season.
Fans can expect both players to be back in the matchday squad shortly as the team navigates a demanding schedule across domestic and European fronts.
FAQ
Q: Why were Abdukodir Khusanov and Oscar Bobb left out of the Manchester City squad?
A: Both players were omitted for tactical reasons, not due to injury or poor form. Pep Guardiola wanted to use a more experienced lineup for the Bournemouth clash.
Q: Will Khusanov and Bobb return to the team soon?
A: Yes. With multiple fixtures coming up in the Premier League and Champions League, Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad, giving both players more game time.
Q: Are Khusanov and Bobb still part of Guardiola’s long-term plans?
A: Absolutely. Both are seen as valuable young talents who will play key roles in City’s future.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s decision to rest Abdukodir Khusanov and Oscar Bobb against Bournemouth underscores his commitment to strategic rotation as Manchester City battle across multiple competitions.
While their absence raised eyebrows, it’s clear that both players remain vital to the club’s long-term vision — and with more fixtures on the horizon, their next opportunities are likely just around the corner.
