With Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol both forced off in the recent draw with Chelsea, Guardiola had to call on reinforcements at the back.
That meant recalling Alleyne from his loan spell at Championship side Watford, as well as giving Khusanov his maiden Premier League start since September.
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So far the young pair have stood up tall, helping us to cup wins over Exeter City and Newcastle United as well as a league draw with Brighton.
Joined in the back line by the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes, it means City’s defence has had an unfamiliar look in recent weeks.
Ahead of Saturday’s 198th Manchester derby, Guardiola was full of praise for how they have they handled themselves.
“It’s surprised even me how connected they are and how they help each other. It’s been tough games,” said Guardiola.
“Brighton was a debut for Max and then of course Exeter was a little bit different for the result and then Newcastle away. They were brilliant.
“At the beginning of the season, if you tell me at this important part of the season that this would be the back four I’d say ‘are you sure?’
“But the season is never flat or on the same path, you have to handle it. Nico’s already played many times there; Nathan can play there.
“I’m happy Rayan Ait-Nouri is back, he has incredible special quality not just in the final third but in the build up to help us a lot.
“Khusanov, when he has played this season, he was injured against Arsenal and was out many times, he’s important for us. He’s behaved really well.”
Reflecting on the moment he knew City would be without Dias and Gvardiol for a period of time, Guardiola stated that he knew his team would have to adapt without two key talisman in our campaign so far.
“What I thought? We’re in trouble, that was my first thought,” he began.
“But that’s why we had the option to recover loan players.
“I knew Max from training for two years with us.
“He still has a big margin to improve but in general comparing not sessions because we don’t have them but from video, how quick he got the things is really, really good.”
City v Wolves tickets available
See our latest Premier League home match in a bumper month when City host Wolves at 15:00 (UK) on Saturday 24 January.
With broadcasting restrictions meaning it can’t be shown on TV in the UK, being at the Etihad is the only way to watch it live!
Tickets for adults are priced between £30-£60 with those for Under 18s from £15-£30.
Tickets for this game are now on sale to Cityzens Matchday and Junior Members - one ticket per Member.
Find out more about tickets by clicking the link below...
