Key players absent from Uzbekistan’s first training session

The Uzbekistan national football team is preparing for two crucial matches: a home game against Kyrgyzstan on March 20 and an away fixture against Iran on March 25. The team remains in high spirits; however, several key foreign-based players were absent from the first training session. Notably, "Manchester City" defender Abdukodir Khusanov and CSKA Moscow midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev voluntarily joined the national team but, having traveled long distances, first underwent individual recovery sessions.  

Eldor Shomurodov and Jaloliddin Masharipov also missed the general training session. However, it has been confirmed that they will take part in the team’s preparations starting March 18.  

This time, journalists and media outlets focused on Otabek Shukurov, a key player for the Saudi Arabian club "Al-Fayha" and a crucial figure in the national team. The increased media attention on the team’s training sessions is largely due to the presence of Abdukodir Khusanov. However, as mentioned earlier, Khusanov will rejoin group training on March 18.  

With two more training days and two decisive matches ahead, Uzbekistan’s national team is in a critical phase. Victory in these matches could secure the "White Wolves" a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.