City’s defensive flaws have not been helped by a series of injuries to their senior centre-halves.
Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have all missed chunks of the season – Akanji and Ake are currently sidelined after surgery – while John Stones has been restricted to just six league starts.
Khusanov and Reis, who have only recently turned 21 and 19 respectively, arrived as defensive reinforcements in January but Given would be wary of making sweeping changes at the back.
“None of the four established centre-halves are near their mid-30s yet,” Given said. “Stones is the oldest, and he turns 31 in May, so I still feel they have all got plenty to offer. I’d be reluctant to let any of them go. With Stones, for example, they just have to get him fit.
“If the club considers them all to be injury prone, then that is a problem. But equally you can’t just get rid of all that experience, because you need it in that position. A situation next season where Khusanov and Reis are at centre-half would be a bit worrying.”
There is further uncertainty over the futures of Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan, and goalkeeper Ederson, who considered a move to Saudi Arabia last year before committing to another campaign at the Etihad.
“The club could get big money for Ederson to fund signings, but then they would have to replace him too,” Given added.
“There are definitely other positions they should be looking at. Ederson is a brilliant goalkeeper, who is so vital to the way they play out from the back. I don’t think there is another keeper in the world who is better with the ball at his feet.
“He is only 31, so he has plenty of years left at the very top level – I was 33 when I joined City, so I would certainly not be rushing him out of the door – they should try to keep hold of him if they can.”
