 Richards will miss England's match against Estonia |
England defender Micah Richards will miss Manchester City's final three games of the season after the club decided to bring forward his operation. Richards, 18, had been scheduled to have calf surgery in the summer but now also has an ankle problem that would have restricted his appearances.
City boss Stuart Pearce said: "We want him back for pre-season training."
Pearce announced last week that Richards would miss England's Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia on 6 June.
Pearce added: "His rehabilitation will take a number of weeks."
Midfielder DeMarcus Beasley and defender Michael Johnson are also doubtful for Saturday's match against Aston Villa because of hamstring injuries.
Meanwhile, contract negotiations with striker Emile Mpenza and defender Michael Ball are continuing.
"I think we are pretty close with both of them," stated Pearce.
"In this day and age negotiations tend to be protracted but hopefully they can reach a positive conclusion."
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