The 21-year-old City and England defender had battled on gamely until the start of the month when rest, a steroid injection and preventative treatment was prescribed by the club’s medical team.
Now he is set to boost Roberto Mancini’s squad during the crucial last few weeks of the campaign.
“I’ve got something called tendonsis,” he said. “It’s hard to describe, but it basically means I’ve got little blood vessels in my knee which can flare up from time to time.
“One week I might be fine but the next I could feel quite sore and I would have problems bending my knee.
I’ve had discomfort for quite a while now, but it obviously you want to stay in the side and keep going. After games it meant I couldn’t really train for a few days, but there are lots of players around who suffer with this problem
...Micah Richards
“I’m probably at the starting point of where Roque Santa Cruz is now. Roque’s had a number of problems with his knees and really suffered, but identifying the problem early on means I can take preventative steps to stop things worsening and fingers crossed, it won’t be a problem for me in the future.”
With Richards building a head of steam prior to his lay-off, he admits he’s been kicking his heels in recent weeks waiting for the all-clear to start training again.
“Yeah, it is doubly frustrating because I felt really strong and was enjoying a good run of form, but that seems to have been the way for me since I made it into the senior team.
“I’ve had a number of set-backs at important times in my career and it is very frustrating because I do everything I can do get my body in top condition and be available for the team.
“I know when I’m playing well that I’ve got the ability to do well for City and England, but I can’t let it get me down because I’m still young and hopefully things will even up over time.”
Micah adds even though he’d love to play for his country at this summer’s World Cup, he’s not really expecting to hear anything as things stand.
“I’ve not ruled a call-up for England out, but I’m just planning to rest in the summer and have a nice break and relax,” he said.
“If I did get the call, I’d be there in a shot and give my all as I always would do, but it’s not really something I think is likely to happen.”
