Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
RWB
Overlapping Full Back
Apr 19, 1997 (29)
Right
5'11"
150 lb
Active both ways
Alijonov logged four crosses (zero accurate), three interceptions and two tackles won during Uzbekistan's 3-1 loss Saturday to DR Congo.
Analysis: Offensively, Alijonov logged Uzbekistan's most crosses. Only he and Akmal Mozgovoy, who recorded an assist, created a chance. Defensively, Alijonov logged Uzbekistan's second-most interceptions, one behind center-back Rustamjon Ashurmatov. Overall, the former attempted five crosses and created two chances across his few appearances, one start. The wingback also recorded five interceptions and two clearances.
Amongst substitutes
Alijonov (calf) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Colombia.
Analysis: Alijonov is back on the filed Wednesday after a calf injury, recovering enough to be an option from the bench. This will give the team a bit more depth in the defense as they head into their first-ever World Cup. That said, he will look to work into a starting role in future games after testing his legs.
Returns to full training
Alijonov (calf) has returned to full training with the Uzbekistan squad, confirming his recovery from the calf issue that had kept him out of the pre-tournament friendlies against Canada and the Netherlands, according to Thomas Bullock.
Analysis: Alijonov's return to collective sessions is a significant relief for coach Fabio Cannavaro heading into Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup campaign, with the defender's availability on the right flank removing one of the main fitness concerns surrounding the squad. The federation will continue monitoring his condition but his return to full training suggests he will be available when the tournament gets underway.
Status unclear
Alijonov (calf) remains questionable for the World Cup after missing Uzbekistan's friendly matches, per Conor Bowers.
Analysis: Alijonov has struggled to fully overcome his calf discomfort, and his presence in the international tournament could now be at risk. While he hasn't been ruled out, his status is a big concern given his importance in the back line. If he's not fit enough to start, his place on the right flank may be covered by Farruh Sayfiyev.
Dealing with minor calf issue
Alijonov felt discomfort in his calf muscle during training and is currently following an individual recovery program under medical supervision, with the UFA confirming he should be fully recovered within approximately one week, according to Zamin.
Analysis: Alijonov is one of Uzbekistan's key defensive figures and his temporary absence from collective training is being monitored carefully by coach Fabio Cannavaro's staff, who are determined not to rush his return before the muscle is fully restored. The week-long recovery timeline means he should be back with the group well ahead of Uzbekistan's World Cup opener, with the federation expressing confidence that the issue will not develop into a major problem heading into the tournament.
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