Roberto Mancini is hopeful Micah Richards will be available by Christmas despite reports he would be out of action for up to four months.
Richards was seen clutching his leg as he went down in the latter stages of Manchester City's 1-0 win over Swansea on Saturday and after a lengthy treatment period he was eventually stretchered from the pitch wearing an oxygen mask.
A scan showed cartilage damage which required surgery and initial reports suggested he would be out of action for up to four months.
Mancini, however, does not believe the rehabilitation will be that much and is hopeful he will have the defender back in time for the busy Christmas period.
"I read three months but I don't know why," Mancini said. "I think maybe in three or four weeks [he can return]. One month maximum.
"He didn't do his meniscus. He only had two stitches in his knee. So it is good for us."