• Premier League

Knee op could keep Richards out for months

ESPN staff
October 29, 2012
Micah Richards could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines © PA Photos
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Manchester City defender Micah Richards could be facing a long spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a knee injury suffered during Saturday's 1-0 win over Swansea.

Richards collapsed in an off-the-ball incident during the second half, instantly clutching his knee as his night came to a premature end. Oxygen was administered as the defender was helped off after a lengthy hold-up.

The 23-year-old underwent surgery at a Manchester hospital on Monday afternoon to mend torn knee cartilage that will almost certainly rule him out of the must-win Champions League clash with Ajax and a league showdown with Tottenham before Christmas.

Indeed, some reports have suggested that he will be out for at least three months.

Elsewhere, though, there was better news on the injury front as City winger David Silva returned to England after spending a week in Spain having physio on a hamstring injury and right-back Pablo Zabaleta is likely to be available for this Saturday's Premier League encounter against West Ham after recovering from his own hamstring strain.

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