Manchester City’s two young centre-backs will now assume responsibility as injuries strike once again | OneFootball

Late yesterday we saw Nathan Ake confirm via his official Instagram account that the Dutch international has had surgery on a foot injury he has played through for some time. It is now expected that Ake will face a spell out with injury. He joins Manuel Akanji and John Stones on the sidelines. That means that Manchester City’s centre-back stocks have once again taken a hit.

But responsibility now falls on the shoulders of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis to shoulder the load at the back for Pep Guardiola’s side. Based on the start both players have made to their City careers they do appear to be ready for that added responsibility.

Of the pair, Abdukodir Khusanov has quickly established himself in the Manchester City first team. Since arriving at City from Lens in January Khusanov has made 6 appearances. He made a horror start to his debut against Chelsea in City’s 3-1 win. But from that point on Khusanov has shown why City were so eager to sign him. His pace, power and defensive acumen have slotted into City’s defence. He’s become a valuable contributor already for Manchester City. He now has an opportunity to establish himself in Manchester City’s defence over the closing stages of this season.

Vitor Reis has only made 2 appearances for Manchester City since arriving at the club from Palmeiras. But as we during his impressive performance against Plymouth Argyle on the weekend there are similarities to John Stones in his play. With Stones out injured, as well as Akanji and Ake Vitor Reis is now an important player in Pep Guardiola’s squad. He should get more opportunities on the pitch over the closing stages of this season to further his development.

Injuries now mean Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are crucial to Manchester City’s chase for Champions League football.

Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov appeared to be signings made with one eye on the future of Manchester City when they were signed in January. But circumstances have now changed. The pair, alongside Ruben Dias, will be crucial to Manchester City’s bid to secure Champions League football for next season. So often in football injuries can open up opportunities for other players. That is the spot that Reis and Khusanov now find themselves in. The challenge is there for both of them to fill the void left by Ake, Akanji and Stones’ absence. If they rise to it it could set them up for their Manchester City careers.