- Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards injured
- Knee problem occured on international duty
- The USMNT face Belgium tomorrow
Crystal Palace will be fretting over Chris Richards’ fitness amid the defender picking up an issue during the international break with the USMNT. The centre-back has been a mainstay in the Eagles team this season and a key man for Oliver Glasner.
Richards has appeared 39 times across competitions for Palace, missing just three games due to a foot injury. He has formed a fine partnership with Maxence Lacroix and stepped up as a leader following Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City.
The 25-year-old was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for friendlies against Belgium (tomorrow) and Portugal on April 1st. But he won’t be in action on Saturday in a massive blow to the World Cup co-hosts.
Richards Suffers Knee Injury
Reputable journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Richards has a knee issue and didn’t finish training on Wednesday. He sat out today’s training session, and Pochettino has confirmed he won’t be fit to face Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Richards availability for the Portugal game is also in doubt, which will concern Glasner ahead of the Europa Conference League quarter-finals. His side face Fiorentina in the first leg on April 9th.
The Eagles will be desperate for him to return fit given their European adventure continues. They will also want to finish the Premier League campaign strongly, currently sitting 14th.
Chris Richards Buzzing For The World Cup
Richards has earned 35 caps for the USMNT since making his international debut back in November 2020 at the age of 20. He looks certain to be included in Pochettino’s squad for the World Cup on home soil this summer.
The Palace man is excited to represent his country in the biggest football tournament in the world. He told GOAL this week:
“I look at it every day, consciously or subconsciously, because that ball is something I worked my whole life for. I have to keep going, but every time I see it, I just remember the feeling of wearing that national team jersey for the first time. Then I fast forward and think about the national anthem for that first game against Paraguay at the World Cup…”
He added:
“I know it’s going to be a proud moment. I’m not going to look too far ahead, but I know that, once March camp is done, it’s going to be hard not to think about the World Cup.”
The USA have two more friendlies before the World Cup, giving Richards a chance of appearing for his nation before the tournament should he fail to return for the Portugal game. They face Senegal on May 31st and Germany on June 6th.
Pochettino’s men are in Group D and face Paraguay, Australia and either Kosovo or Turkey. The co-hosts are the strongest nation in the group and should be expected to progress to the knockout rounds.
