Richards targets derby return

Manchester City defender Micah Richards is hopeful of returning from injury in time to face Manchester United in a potential double header.

The city rivals are set to meet in the English Premier League at Old Trafford on April 8 and, should both teams progress beyond the last eight, will contest an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley just six days later.

And the 24-year-old is eyeing a high-profile return to Roberto Mancini’s squad ahead of those fixtures.

“I think the Newcastle match (on March 30) will come too soon for me, though I hope to have been training normally by then,” Richards told reporters.

“Realistically, I’m looking more to the game away to United and then the FA Cup semi-final, maybe against United again, to be properly involved again – two relaxing games in a week on the horizon.

“I’ll be trying my best to get back into the squad. It will be great just to be back among the lads and getting a feel for everything again.”