Sunday, 28 October 2012 08:37

LONDON: Micah Richards faces a lengthy lay-off as his injury jinx struck again yesterday, The Sun reported.

Richards (pic) was carried off in agony after twisting his knee near the end of Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Swansea at Etihad Stadium.

Worried City manager Roberto Mancini admitted: “It is probably bad.”

Swansea goalkeeper 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 rightbacks now sidelined.

Maicon and Pablo Zabaleta are already crocked.

England international Richards has only just returned after nearly three months on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

“Micah has a problem with his knee. He was tired because it was his third game in 10 days," said Mancini.

“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 manager Michael Laudrup confirmed Vorm will be sidelined for six weeks.

“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,” said the Dane.