Richards aiming to make comeback

After experiencing a nasty ankle knock during the summer, Micah Richards is one of the few players in the City squad who have yet to make an appearance. However, the 24-year-old claims that he is nearing full fitness and is aiming to make a return to first team action in the next couple of weeks.

There was great surprise when Richards was left out of the England squad for Euro 2012, after putting in a series of superb displays in the full back positions for City. However, while he may have been disappointed to miss out in this regard, it meant that he was able to feature for the Great Britain squad in the Olympics after being named as one of the overage players. Unfortunately, the tournament didn’t exactly go to plan and he was hit by an ankle injury that has meant he has been sat on the treatment table ever since.

Still, it shouldn’t be too long before the defender is back in contention. The player has stated that it should just be a couple of weeks before he is ready to return, as he said, “It’s probably going to take about two more weeks. I’m happy with the progress made so far because it was quite a bad one, but I can’t wait to get back in among the squad. Winning the league was an amazing time for everyone involved at the club, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be for me at the start of the season. I suppose it’s part and parcel of football, injuries come with it. I think you just have to take it on the chin and get on with it really.”

Even though City are undoubtedly going to be boosted considering their defensive frailties this term, Richards is by no means guaranteed a starting place upon his return. The likes of Maicon and Matija Nastasic have both arrived at the Etihad Stadium this term and it remains to be seen if Richards will get a chance to make an impact.