England Defender Richards Has Knee Surgery

The 19-year-old, capped 11 times for England, is expected to be out for ˝a matter of weeks˝ according to the club.

England defender Micah Richards has had an operation on his right knee, his Premier League club Manchester City said on Wednesday.

Richards, regarded as one of the most promising young players in England, had surgery to repair a damaged cartilage that had caused him problems earlier in the season.

"The operation has been successful, and Micah will begin a rehabilitation programme at Carrington starting tomorrow. The medical team will monitor his progress over the coming days and weeks," club doctor Mark Whitaker said on City's Web site (www.mcfc.co.uk).

The 19-year-old, capped 11 times for England, is expected to be out for "a matter of weeks" according to the club.