Manchester City's Micah Richards to be sidelined for eight weeks?

Manchester City defender Micah Richards will reportedly be out of action for eight weeks following assessment of his knee injury yesterday.

The 24-year-old, who was expected to be sidelined for some time, picked up the problem during City's 1-0 win over Swansea City at the weekend.

It is understood that Richards underwent a cartilage operation yesterday and should be unavailable for manager Roberto Mancini for the next two months, according to The Express.

Meanwhile, full-back Pablo Zabaleta is likely to return to the City side against West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend.