Manchester City will send midfielder Michael Johnson for an operation later on Tuesday that will keep the youngster sidelined for three weeks.

The England Under-21 international was forced out of City's 1-0 win over Sunderland at half-time following a recurrence of the groin injury which has plagued him for most of the season.

Although it was hoped Johnson would avoid surgery, City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed the situation has become intolerable.

"Michael cannot go on like this," confirmed the Swede.

"He is only a young man but he cannot train the day after a match.

"He came to me at half-time and said he couldn't run anymore.

"We must decide whether to send him for an operation and, with the international break, now would be a good time.

"I am not sure how long he will be out but I don't think it will be any more than two or three weeks."