Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards is delighted to see the “frightening” Leroy Sane back in contention after a long injury lay-off, and says he will be a useful weapon from the bench in the final nine games of the season.
Sane ruptured his cruciate ligament in City’s Community Shield victory over Liverpool back in August of last year and has not featured since. He was nearing a return to action in March before the season was suspended for three months.
The 24-year-old winger appeared on the City bench for their first game back against Arsenal on Wednesday, and former City man Richards, now Sky Sports pundit, was full of praise for the German winger.
“It’s great to see him back fit again. Last season and the season before, his impact from the bench was frightening,” Richards said on Sky Sports’ pre-match coverage.
“For me, he’s one of City’s most exciting players. I’m glad to see him back, it’s going to take a while when you’ve had that sort of injury.
“I’ve had those injuries myself so I know how long it takes to get back. It’s a pleasant sight to see him back and hopefully he’s ready to go.”
Richards’ colleague and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was also pleased to see Sane back in contention.
However, Carragher is unsure whether Sane will remain at Pep Guardiola’s side next season with speculation linking him with a move away.
Newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have expressed a heavy interest in the former Schalke attacker, according to reports .
“I’m not sure he will stay, to be honest. That’s not just unfortunate for City, but for the Premier League as well,” Carragher said.
“He’s been a brilliant player for the Premier League. Even last season, and the year before, it was very tight with Raheem playing and Bernardo Silva at times. Hopefully he can really show us what he can do between now and the end of the season.”
