Richards two weeks away from comeback

Micah Richards has returned to full training at Manchester City and is targeting a first-team comeback after the international break.

The 24-year-old has been on the sidelines since injuring his ankle playing for Great Britain in their Olympic quarter-final defeat to South Korea.

But Richards is now training fully with the first-team squad and is set to be available for selection for City’s trip to West Brom on October 20, which is among the first round of Premier League fixtures after the international break.

The defender’s availability will provide a welcome boost to Roberto Mancini following their stuttering start to the season.

The Premier League champions have conceded 16 goals in nine matches this season and were only saved from defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night by an exceptional display from goalkeeper Joe Hart.