ไทย
English
中國人
U.S. men's national team key center back Chris Richards will be unavailable for the pre-tournament friendly against Germany in Chicago on Saturday, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.
Richards sustained two torn ligaments in his ankle last month during Crystal Palace's Premier League clash with Brentford, gutting out the remainder of the match before hobbling off the pitch. He has remained on the sidelines since, even sitting out Palace's Europa Conference League championship win over La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
Though the 25-year-old has returned to training, starting with a solo session on the side on Tuesday, he is not yet match fit. With just one week before the USMNT opens 2026 FIFA World Cup competition on home turf, the chances of seeing the team's defensive cornerstone on the back line are becoming increasingly slim.
"Well, today he was training, but still he's not ready to compete and to play," Pochettino said on Friday. "We have, after that game [against Germany], the possibility in the next few days to assess him and see his ankle, his revolution and then to make a decision.
"At the moment, he is still doing his recovery and is not available."
World Cup Previews
All 48 Teams
Bespoke Illustrations
Who Could Replace Chris Richards?
No other USMNT center back could truly step in for Richards, whose heading ability, ball-winning instincts and composure at the back are second to none. Still, Pochettino may have no choice but to turn to an alternative.
All FIFA World Cup squads were locked in as of June 1; however, teams are permitted to make injury-based substitutions up to 24 hours before their opening group stage fixture. The USMNT begin Group D on June 12 against Paraguay, meaning a final call on Richards's fitness must be made by June 11, this coming Thursday.
Mark McKenzie, 27, stepped in for Richards in the starting three-man backline during Sunday's friendly against Senegal, a morale-boosting 3–2 win. He turned in a solid 45-minute performance, recording two defensive contributions and remaining composed throughout the opening half. Following a strong Ligue 1 season as a regular starter for Toulouse, McKenzie has established himself as a credible option if Richards remains unavailable.
Auston Trusty is another strong candidate. The 27-year-old center back came on in the second half of the Senegal match, replacing veteran captain Tim Ream. While the 38-year-old Ream appeared hesitant, lacked mobility and struggled in possession, the Celtic FC defender was noticeably composed, dynamic and influential in second-half build-up play. Trusty also registered three significant defensive contributions, sending a clear message to Pochettino that he could not only fill Ream's spot in the starting lineup, but Richards's as well.
Pochettino named five center backs in his official 26-man squad: Richards, McKenzie, Trusty, Ream and Miles Robinson — a notably high number compared to just four true central midfielders. Should Pochettino opt to make an injury-related swap for Richards, he may instead choose to bring in a central midfielder to better balance the roster, with Diego Luna likely being the first name considered. The 22-year-old Real Salt Lake standout was widely regarded as the most surprising omission from the World Cup squad, given his prominent role with the national team throughout 2025.