Manchester City defender Micah Richards is facing four months on the side-lines following surgery on his injured knee.
The 24-year-old sustained the problem during City’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Swansea last weekend, pulling up late on in visible discomfort.
He was stretchered from the field and treated before having to go under the knife to mend the torn cartilage.
Richards told SkySports that he is disappointed to be injured, but is confident of making a full recovery:
“The positive thing is that the injury has been repaired so the knee will be as good as new.
“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 knew straight away that it was quite a bad injury. The knee locked and I couldn’t straighten it.
“I suppose it could have been even worse and not repairable, so I am being positive. Injuries are part and parcel of the job but, with this coming on top of the other one, I do feel a little hard done to!
The full-back has only just returned to action following an ankle problem sustained whilst playing for Team GB during the London 2012 Olympic Games.