The wingback put off shoulder surgery until the summer so he made sure he could play again this season.
Graham Alexander feared that it was for Richards when he injured his shoulder at Wimbledon.
However, the doctors confirmed that the problem had not been exacerbated.
Alexander said this afternoon.
“But the surgeon was really positive. At some point it requires manipulation, but you don't have to have it right now.
“There's no more damage than last time, so it could be the same kind of scenario as when you went out for three or four weeks and then went back to play.
“But we left it to Lewis. It was his body and he was eager to stay involved and return to the group, so it had to be his choice. did.
“He was out on the grass today wearing his boots, not with the player, doing something just for himself.
“What he has to go through again is that healing process.”
The city boss emphasized that he would not try to push Richards with his decision to hold it before going under the knife.
“When he had surgery, it strengthens it, but the surgeon was really clear in Lewis. We couldn't hold him under pressure.
“Immediately he declared he wanted to come back and get involved and do his part.
“If that feels like there is too much risk for him, we encourage him to pay attention. However, we don't feel it's close by and expert guidance has been added. there was.”
