Richards has been a key figure for Man City this season

The Manchester City defender twisted a knee in Wednesday's 1-0 Carling Cup win at Bolton, but the injury was found to be less serious than first feared.

A scan revealed bruised cartilage and Richards may only miss Monday's game against Sunderland.

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said on Friday: "It is a relief for him, for us and for England."

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Richards, who had suffered an earlier knock during the Bolton match, was stretchered off in the 74th minute.

"Richards will probably not play on Monday but hopefully the match afterwards," Eriksson added. "It is not a ligament problem and that is very good news of course."

The BBC Sport columnist has been ever-present for City in the Premier League so far this season.

The news will be welcomed by England manager Steve McLaren, who will also be buoyed by Gary Neville's return for Manchester United on Thursday evening.

However, the battle for qualification for Euro 2008 from Group E is out of England's hands.

If Russia beat Israel and Andorra then they and Croatia will take the two places on offer for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.