20110329

Richards: Four to six-week absence
Of all the games to miss, a Wembley date with United is the last one any player would choose.
Micah Richards
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Manchester City defender Micah Richards admits he ‘felt sick’ when told he will miss the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United after a scan on his injured hamstring revealed a grade-two tear.
The 22-year-old confessed on Monday he was planning to install an oxygen tent at his home in order to help a race for fitness ahead of the derby at Wembley on 16th April.
But Richards is expected to be unavailable for between four and six weeks as a result of the injury, which he sustained while on England Under 21 duty last week.
He told City’s official website: “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.
“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.”
Richards’ lengthy rehabilitation period comes as another setback to City manager Roberto Mancini, who has concerns regarding possible knee surgery for Jerome Boateng.
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Richards ruled out of derby
