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.
