Manchester City defender Micah Richards will be out for around four months with a knee injury he sustained in the weekend's 1-0 win over Swansea City.
The 24-year old right-back underwent surgery on the problem area he has confirmed that he will not be back for at least 12 weeks and up to as many as 16.
"The positive thing is that the injury has been repaired so the knee will be as good as new," he said.
"I have a brace on it and I am using crutches. I can't do anything at all for the next four to six weeks and I am probably looking at 12-16 weeks before I am back in action.
"I will be working as hard as I can to get back as quickly as I can and I thank all the fans who have sent their best wishes."
