Micah Richards

CITY have suffered a major blow with the loss of defender Micah Richards for the bulk of what remains of the season.

The 19-year-old central defender underwent surgery on an injured knee in London and will be out of action for several weeks.

It is understood that the injury is a recurrence of the problem that kept Richards on the sidelines against Sheffield United and Derby County at the end of last month.

He had started the last three games but was suffering discomfort and the club felt the only option was to have the operation. Physio Ally Beattie accompanied him to hospital.

Richards' enforced absence is a blow to both club and country. He is not likely to return to Premier League action until the middle of April at the earliest and will miss out on Fabio Capello's second England game in charge against France.

The City ace had already missed making his debut for the Italian against Switzerland because of a back complaint.