USMNT star defender Chris Richards hurts ankle ahead of World Cup
Oliver Glasner has allayed fears over a serious injury sustained by Chris Richards during Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brentford, suggesting the USA international could be available in the coming days.
Richards had to be carried off the field without his left foot at the final whistle in west London, with the centre-back introduced on the hour mark in a match where his compatriot Chadhi Riad was also said to be injured. A collision with Igor Thiago in the 77th minute forced Richards to seek treatment, although he was able to play the rest of the tie at the G Tech Community Stadium.
Given Richards’ excellent form in recent years, any absence of the 26-year-old threatened to be a blow to both his club, who will contest the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27, and the United States. Richards had long looked like a lock for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to face Paraguay in the World Cup opener on June 13. for a few days.
Glasner said he was more concerned about Richards’ injury than Riad’s, adding: “He twisted his ankle. I think Thiago landed on his ankle and then it twisted. It’s quite swollen, so we need to assess it further, but hopefully he can come back midweek.”
Richards has made 49 competitive appearances for Palace in all competitions this season, with the 4,131 minutes he has played putting him in the top 30 of Europe’s top five leagues. Glasner’s side finish their league campaign at home to Arsenal next Sunday, a match which key players such as Richards might have played less of, if at all, given the prospect of a European final three days later. Provided he recovers successfully, Richards would join the already-called-up USMNT squad after the Conference League final in Leipzig. You can watch the finale live on Paramount+.
