Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, has confirmed that Micah Richards will be sidelined for six weeks after surgery on his knee.

The 20-year-old England international had an operation to repair damaged cartilage in his right knee on Wednesday. The absence of the powerfully-built defender is a major blow for City, who are hoping to secure a place in European competition next season. Richards will also miss England's friendly away to France in Paris on March 26.

Eriksson admitted the loss of Richards at the key stage of the season was a major blow.

“It is bad news,” he said. ”He was operated on yesterday in London. I spoke to the medical people before the operation and they thought six weeks and they now think the same. He will probably be away around six weeks.

”The medical team say he is a good and quick healer, so I hope he can be back before six weeks. It is bad news of course, but it happens.”

Richards, who recently signed a new contract which commits him to City until 2013, admitted to feeling low about not playing again until April.

"After my knee operation this week I will have to spend some time out myself. I know from past experience that it is frustrating and quite depressing," he said.

Richards has forged an impressive partnership with captain Richard Dunne at the heart of the City defence, and their pairing has been instrumental in Eriksson transforming the the club from relegation strugglers to European contenders.

Richards has won 11 caps for England and scored one international goal since making the step up from the Under-21s.