Richards was taken to hospital after banging his head in a sickening collision with Nigel de Jong in the midweek draw with Birmingham - De Jong will be given a fitness test before the game.
Yaya Toure returns after a throat infection, Mario Balotelli (knee) could return to training next week but Adam Johnson (ankle) is sidelined long term and manager Roberto Mancini has vowed to keep faith with goalkeeper Joe Hart despite recent criticism.
Source: PA
Source: PA