Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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• Capacity:48,000

Richards return to boost City

11 Apr 2008 - 08:23:35

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Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed injured defender Micah Richards is close to returning to training.

The England international has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery in February with reports claiming he may not return this season.

But although reluctant to put a date on the teenage defender's return, Eriksson hopes to have him back in training next week.

He said: "If everything goes as we hope and think he may be able to train with us on Monday.

"Then we have to see how training goes and when he is ready to play, but let us wait until Monday and see."

Meanwhile, Eriksson also revealed that injured striker Valeri Bojinov came through a reserve game on Thursday evening unscathed.

The Bulgaria striker, who was a £6million summer signing from Fiorentina, had made just two substitute appearances before being struck down by cruciate knee ligament damage back in August.

"Bojinov looks better and better. He has a long way to go before he is 100 per cent but he played in the reserves against Liverpool, which is good," continued Eriksson.

"I wouldn't say he is desperate to play football but almost.

"He has been out for a long time but has been working hard in the gym with the physios.

"Five or six weeks ago we thought he was on the right way and he played for the reserves and then we had to take him out and put him on more training in the gym and more muscle work.

"It has been very tough for him."