Injury Sidelines Uzbekistan Midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullayev vs Uruguay

When Abbosbek Fayzullayev, midfielder of Istanbul Basaksehir pulled his knee in the 21st minute against Kuwait, Uzbekistan’s preparations for the Uruguay friendly took an instant hit. The injury, diagnosed as a minor sprain but enough to force a rest period, meant the 24‑year‑old would miss the October 13 clash in Kuala Lumpur – a match many saw as a benchmark for the young side under new boss Fabio Cannavaro. The news broke on October 10 via an official statement from the Uzbekistan Football Association, which urged fans to stay patient as the player recovers.

How the injury unfolded

It was a brisk evening at AOlimpiya Stadium in Tashkent when Uzbekistan, fresh from a 2‑0 win over Kuwait, faced a sudden setback. Fayzullayev collided with a Kuwaiti defender while attempting a forward pass, and the impact sent a jolt up his left knee. He was stretchered off, replaced by Aziz Turg'unboyev after just 21 minutes of play.

The post‑match medical assessment confirmed a grade‑II MCL strain. While not a ligament tear, the doctors prescribed a minimum four‑day rest, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming friendly against Uruguay national football team.

Uruguay friendly without the play‑maker

The match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on October 13 turned into a tight, end‑to‑end affair. Uzbekistan pressed hard in the first half, but a lapse in defense let Uruguay’s Luis Torres strike in the 51st minute break the deadlock. Six minutes later Santiago Sanabria doubled the lead. Uzbekistan clawed back in the 82nd minute when Ruslanbek Jiyanov bundled the ball home, but the final whistle read 1‑2.

Coach Cannavaro, speaking on the sidelines, admitted the absence of his midfield engine was felt keenly. “Fayzullayev brings a blend of creativity and defensive grit,” he said. “We missed his vision, especially in the build‑up to goal.” The team, however, showed resilience, keeping the scoreline respectable against a seasoned South American side.

Reactions from the federation and fans

The Uzbekistan Football Association released a concise note: “Doctors have advised the midfielder to sit out the upcoming game against Uruguay to ensure proper recovery.” The statement also emphasized that the federation has created “all necessary conditions for his healthy return.”

Fans took to social media, with many expressing disappointment but also rallying behind the player. One supporter wrote, “Fayzullayev is out, but the White Wolves keep fighting. Let’s give him the time he needs.” Meanwhile, sports columnist Alisher Shaipov argued the setback could be a blessing. “It forces the coach to experiment with younger legs. Uzbekistan’s depth will be tested, and that’s a good thing in the long run.”

What the injury means for Uzbekistan’s campaign

• Midfield depth tested: With Fayzullayev sidelined, Turg'unboyev and the emerging Doston Mirzokulovich will see more minutes.
• Tactical adjustments: Cannavaro may shift to a 4‑3‑3, relying on Eldor Shomurodov as the advanced play‑maker.
• Physical readiness: The rest period could actually prevent a more serious injury that would keep the midfielder out for months.
• Psychological impact: Losing a key player before a high‑profile fixture can dent morale, but the narrow loss shows the squad’s mental toughness.

Analyst Maria Guseva from the Asian Football Confederation noted, “Uzbekistan’s ability to stay within a goal of Uruguay without Fayzullayev suggests the system Cannavaro is installing is solid. The next few weeks will be about fine‑tuning rather than overhaul.”

Looking ahead: Recovery timeline and next fixtures

Medical staff project Fayzullayev could return to training by the first week of November, assuming a smooth rehab. The federation plans a light‑touch program focusing on physiotherapy and low‑impact drills. If all goes well, he could be match‑fit for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers slated for late November.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will face Japan on November 20 in Tokyo, a test that will further gauge how the side adapts without its star midfielder. Cannavaro hinted at a “rotational approach,” giving younger talents a chance to shine while monitoring Fayzullayev’s progress.

Key facts

• Injury date: 9 Oct 2025 (21st minute vs Kuwait)
• Match missed: Uruguay friendly on 13 Oct 2025
• Location of missed match: Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur
• Result of Uruguay friendly: Uzbekistan 1 – 2 Uruguay
• Doctors’ recommendation: Full rest until cleared, no immediate surgery required