Chris Richards stretchered off for Crystal Palace as USMNT injury woes worsen

During the holiday season, games going left and right can lead to an accumulation of injuries, and that’s exactly what the United States Men’s National Team is experiencing without even participating in games. American defender Chris Richards had to leave the EFL Cup quarter-final due to injury as Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Arsenal before being knocked out 8-7 in the ensuing penalty shootout. This comes after captain Tyler Adams tore his MCL and will be out for 2-3 months.

Richards went down in the 73rd minute and had to be stretchered off for Palace before Arsenal forced an own goal via a close range shot from Jurrien Timber as Maxence Lacroix scored what would appear to be the only goal of the match before another Palace centre-back got into the action.

Despite the result, all eyes will be on Richards. Coach Oliver Glasner said Richards needed stitches in his foot, said he hoped it wasn’t too serious, but said he wasn’t ruling him out of playing on New Year’s Day.

A key player for the Eagles as well as the United States men’s national team, there is also the slight oddity of Richards being projected as a starter for the USMNT at a home World Cup in 2026, and his place on the team is crucial. A player who at times captained the team under Mauricio Pochettino, Richards will be a vital part of the USMNT setup in an uncertain defensive duo. Tim Ream started alongside Richards, but the Charlotte FC defender is 38, and if Pochettino opts for a back three, questions arise over who would partner the duo during the World Cup.

Now all eyes will be on the official severity of Richard’s injury, although Glasner doesn’t seem too concerned, which is welcomed by the USMNT faithful. While UMSNT won’t play a match until March when they host Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta, Palace are back when they host Tottenham on December 28 and Fulham three days later on January 1. With fourth to 10th place in the Premier League separated by only five points, any missed time will push what manager Glasner is capable of achieving, possibly jeopardizing what has been an excellent season so far. Richards is someone who will be needed with Palace still in the FA Cup and Europa Conference League while seeking a top four finish in the Premier League.