Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes to be fit by the end of the month.

Richards, battling a knee injury, is hopeful that another two weeks on the training ground will see him fit to return against Newcastle United and then force himself into contention for the derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 8.

A source close to the player told the Telegraph: "We're hopeful Micah will be back for the end of the month, though for an injury of this nature we just have to play it by ear.

"He's been working very hard and it's been tough for him being out for so long considering the form he was in, but he's had the appropriate amount of time to recover and will be back fitter and stronger for it."