• FA Cup

Man City confirm Richards set to miss cup semi

ESPN staff
March 29, 2011
Micah Richards was stretchered off during the England Under-21s clash with Denmark © PA Photos
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Manchester City have confirmed they expect Micah Richards to miss the FA Cup semi-final showdown with neighbours United.

Richards needed medical attention after sustaining an injury in an England Under-21 clash against Denmark, and scans have now revealed a grade two tear.

The defender lasted just five minutes of Thursday's match, pulling up sharply and requiring a stretcher to take him off the field. Under-21s boss Stuart Pearce revealed after the match that Richards feared a long lay-off and hospital scans confirmed that he has suffered a tear that will keep him out for four to six weeks.

"It is not what I wanted to hear at all," lamented Richards on the club's official website. "I felt sick when I was told. I knew from experience when I did it that it felt like a bad one but I was hoping for the best.

"All I can do now is concentrate on getting back as quickly as possible. I must admit I did think 'why me?' for a while when I heard the news. Of all the games to miss a Wembley date with United is the last one any player would choose."

City's other first-choice right-back option is Jerome Boateng, but he too returned from international duty with a knee injury, developed in training. The Eastlands club predict a "lengthy spell" on the sidelines for Boateng, who may even need surgery.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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