By IAN WHITTELL
MICAH RICHARDS faces a lengthy lay-off as his injury jinx struck again yesterday.
Richards was carried off in agony after twisting his knee near the end of Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Swansea.
Worried boss Roberto Mancini admitted: “It is probably bad.”
Swansea keeper Michel Vorm also needed oxygen after injuring his groin as he dived to try and stop Carlos Tevez’s winner. He also left the Etihad pitch on a stretcher.
Richards’ injury leaves Mancini facing a defensive crisis with THREE right-backs now sidelined.
Maicon and Pablo Zabaleta are already crocked.
England star Richards has only just returned after nearly three months on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
Mancini said: “Micah has a problem with his knee. He was tired because it was his third game in 10 days.
“I don’t know the situation but, probably, it is bad. I hope not, but I don’t know.”
Zabaleta is sidelined with a hamstring problem while Maicon has struggled for fitness and form.
Mancini is not convinced the Brazilian is yet ready for the hurly-burly of the Premier League.
The injuries contributed to making yesterday’s game the longest in Premier League history — more than 102 minutes — and Swansea boss Michael Laudrup confirmed Vorm will be sidelined for six weeks.
The Dane said: “It’s his groin. That’s football and even if it’s early in the season that’s what can happen. You are talking six weeks out.”
