Manchester City Football Club News

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

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Surgery rules out Richards

28 Feb 2008 - 08:30:11

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Manchester City's England defender Micah Richards faces several weeks on the sidelines after undergoing an operation to cure a niggling knee injury.

The versatile 19-year-old needed surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his right knee, having suffered with the same problem earlier this year.

Citizens club doctor, Mark Whitaker told the club's official website: "The operation has been successful and Micah will begin a rehabilitation programme at Carrington starting tomorrow (Thursday).

"The medical team will monitor his progress over the coming days and weeks."

Richards has formed a solid central defensive partnership with City skipper Richard Dunne this season and recently signed a new contract to keep him at Eastlands until the summer of 2013.

Birmingham-born Richards made his debut for City as a 17-year-old back in October 2005 against Arsenal and has already racked up 79 appearances for his club.

He has also broken into the England national team set-up, making 11 appearances for the senior side after a mere three outings for the Under-21s.