Micah Richards has escaped a long-term layoff from the knee injury sustained in last night’s Carling Cup tie. Richards was stretchered off against Bolton after 73-minutes with a twisted knee and there were fears of serious damage. However, today’s scans have revealed that this isn’t the case and Richards should even have a chance of making England’s game with Croatia on November 21.

Richards will be assessed on a daily basis by City’s medical staff but is set to be out until after the International break at least which will see him miss the next two games. That will see Onuoha start at right-back with Corluka likely to move to the centre to partner Dunne. City face Sunderland and Portmsouth in those two games, while they have Reading at home on November 24, the game which Richards is likely to target for a return. It will be interesting to see if City can maintain their impenetrable defence at home without him. Onuoha meanwhile could be a tempting short-term defensive purchase.