Manuel Pellegrini: 'Micah Richards must work harder'

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that Micah Richards 'must work harder' if he wants to make a return to the first team.

Despite being fit, the defender has been left out of the City squad for Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg against West Ham United.

"He must work a little more, but he's not injured," Pellegrini told reporters on Tuesday.

Richards has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Blues so far this season.