USMNT and Crystal Palace center-back Chris Richards has suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle, casting uncertainty over his participation in this summer's World Cup. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the injury on Thursday, stating that Richards will miss the upcoming match against Arsenal and is a 50/50 chance for the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Richards sustained the injury during last weekend's match against Brentford, which he entered in the 61st minute. Glasner noted that the ankle is stable but significantly swollen. The recovery timeline depends on the severity of the tear: a grade 1 injury could sideline him for up to two weeks, while a grade 2 tear requires four to six weeks. A grade 3 tear may necessitate surgery and a recovery period of two to three months.
Impact on Crystal Palace
Richards has been a key player for Palace this season, logging 2,827 league minutes and making 45 starts across all competitions. His absence is a significant blow as the team prepares for their first European final in 27 years. Glasner emphasized that the medical team is working tirelessly to reduce swelling and expedite his return.
World Cup Implications
Richards is a vital part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the USMNT, having earned 13 caps since early 2025 and being named US Soccer's Men's Player of the Year in January. Center-back is a thin position for the US, with only four defenders having played at least 500 minutes under Pochettino. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie are the other main options, while Auston Trusty has impressed. Augsburg's Noahkai Banks, a 19-year-old Hawaiian, is still deciding between representing the US or Germany.
Pochettino will announce his World Cup squad on May 26. Richards was expected to join camp late due to Palace's Conference League run, but now he faces a race against time to be fit for pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6). The US opens their group stage against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
