Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng to undergo knee surgery
Manchester City Jerome Boateng is to undergo knee surgery and may only be fit for the final two Premier League games of the season.[LNB]City manager Roberto Mancini revealed the full extent of Boateng's injury today, which was sustained while on international duty with the Germany team last week.[LNB]Mancini said: 'He will have surgery in the next two or three days. Maybe he will be fit for the last two games.'[LNB] Out of action: Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng will undergo knee surgery after picking up an injury on international duty[LNB] There was more positive news coming out of Eastlands regarding Micah Richards. Mancini said he was hoping that the defender, who suffered a hamstring injury last week while with the England Under-21 team, will be fit in time for the semi-final clash with rivals Manchester United at Wembley on April 16.[LNB]'We are trying to get him fit for the semi-final. I don't know if it is possible but we hope,' said Mancini.[LNB]The twin problem, coupled with Kolo Toure's continued absence following his failed drugs test, leaves City struggling for defenders ahead of their Premier League encounter with Sunderland.[LNB]At least Pablo Zabaleta has returned after flying back to South America to visit his ill father.[LNB]Striker Mario Balotelli is available, although after yet more negative headlines, Mancini could be forgiven for wondering if he actually made the wisest move bringing the fiery Italian to Eastlands from Inter Milan last summer.[LNB] Injury headache: With Micah Richards also sidelined, Manchester City boss Mancini faces a selection dilemma[LNB]Mancini insists he did, although the Blues chief acknowledges there has to be a drastic improvement in the 20-year-old's behaviour.[LNB]'I do not regret signing him,' said Mancini. 'Mario is a fantastic player. He is a 20-year-old, so it is usual his behaviour is not good enough.[LNB]'I understand this situation very well. Playing here could be a fantastic experience for him.[LNB]'He has started 15 games and scored 10 goals. But he has to improve his behaviour.[LNB]'Now, everything Mario does is big news. If he goes into a restaurant and speaks to a woman, five will comeforward and say they spoke to him.[LNB]'I have spoken to him. What I said will remain private but I hope he can change his behaviour.'[LNB] Control yourself! Mancini warns Balotelli to curb bad boy behaviourZabaleta comes to City's rescue as he leaves father's bedside to solve crisisPut it on like this, Mario! Dzeko offers team-mate Balotelli a bib of advice...Richards sets up oxygen tent at home in battle to be fit for FA Cup semi-finalAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Roberto Mancini, Kolo Toure, Mario Balotelli Places: United Kingdom, Germany
