Lengthy lay-off confirmed for Richards

Manchester City defender Micah Richards could be out for up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury playing for the England Under-21s.

Scans on Tuesday revealed a grade-two tear of the 22-year-old’s hamstring, in what is a big blow for Roberto Mancini as the season nears the business end.

Richards played just five minutes of England Under-21s’ 4-0 win over Denmark in Viborg on Thursday before leaving the field on a stretcher.

Richards’ injury rules him out of City’s FA Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester United at Wembley on April 16.

“It is not what I wanted to hear at all. I felt sick when I was told. I knew from experience when I did it that it felt like a bad one but I was hoping for the best,” Richards said.

“All I can do now is concentrate on getting back as quickly as possible. I must admit I did think ‘why me?’ for a while when I heard the news.”

“Of all the games to miss, a Wembley date with United is the last one any player would choose.”