The City and England defender is on crutches at present and hoping to return sooner if his recovery goes to plan.
He was stretchered off in the second half of the 1-0 win over Swansea just four games into a comeback after missing two months with an ankle problem.
Despite the latest setback the trademark Richards’ sunny nature was much in evidence.
“The positive thing is that the injury has been repaired so the knee will be as good as new,” he reported.
“I have a brace on it and I am using crutches. I can’t do anything at all for the next four to six weeks and I am probably looking at 12-16 weeks before I am back in action.
“I knew straight away in the game that it was quite a bad injury. The knee locked and I couldn’t straighten it.
“I suppose it could have been even worse and not repairable which would have meant removing the meniscus; so I am being positive. Injuries are all part and parcel of the job but this coming on top of the other one I do feel a little hard done to!
“I will be working as hard as I can to get back as quickly as I can and I thank all the fans who have sent their best wishes.”
The latest injury comes at a time when the 24-year-old was looking forward to getting stuck into the meat of the season having made a big impact following his return from a problem picked up in the Olympics playing for team GB.
“I felt I was doing okay. We beat Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea and kept two clean sheets in those three games, so things were going well in the Premier League,” he concluded.
“I am sure the lads will continue that run of form and I will be looking forward to getting stuck into the title defence as soon as possible when I return. Everyone has their opinion on how we have started the season but the league table looks pretty good!”
