Right Back Alert: Boateng Knacked In Germany

The continual fear of injury that surrounds international breaks at crucial points in the season has seen City ship a second casualty inside a week. This time in Germany...

Following Micah Richards being stretchered off for the England Under 21's, Berlin born giant defender Jérôme Boateng reported to the German backroom staff that he was suffering knee pain. The Germans don't mess about and immediate scans revealed that the player requires surgery.

22 year old Boateng, who has had a largely ineffective campaign for The Citizens will fly into Ringway today to prepare for the operation.

At this stage of the season any leg related surgery almost certainly rules a player out for the remaining games and with Richards sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring tear, Kolo Toure suspended pending hearings and Pablo Zabaleta away on compassionate leave in Argentina, Roberto Mancini's defensive options are suddenly limited.

20 year old Dedryck Boyata is almost certain to be called upon to bolster City's defensive line for the visit of Sunderland this weekend.

YOU ARE THE MANCIO: As things stand, how would you approach the defensive team selection on Sunday?

THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK ON VMC:

Join the debate in the VMC City Chat Forum.
Can City regroup and reignite the season after this fortnight's ceasefire?

VMC ON YOUTWITFACE:

VMC is now available on both Facebook and Twitter, so if you are that way inclined and more importantly understand all this new fangled dangled stuff, feel free to watch us, poke us or whatever else you are meant to do there!

VMC on:

VMC on:

JOIN VMC:

It's easy to REGISTER HERE, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.