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Time is running out for one of the U.S. men's national team's most crucial players, as star center back Chris Richards is now facing World Cup uncertainty after sustaining torn ligaments in his ankle, according to Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner.
Speaking to the media ahead of Palace's final Premier League fixture of the campaign against title winners Arsenal, the coach disclosed that the 26-year-old defender had torn two ligaments in his left ankle, raising concerns not only about his World Cup participation but, more urgently, his availability for the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
"I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling," Glasner said Thursday. "He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time."
"He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments and everything we can do that reduces the swelling, and of course, we have a great medical department, so we will give our best, and he will give his best—and then let's see if we can get it done."
Richards picked up the injury during Crystal Palace's 2–2 draw with Brentford last weekend. Following a heavy collision in the 77th minute, he received treatment on the field and uncomfortably played out the remainder of the match. He required assistance at the final whistle, however, hobbling off the pitch while barely putting weight on his ankle. At the time, Glasner had expressed optimism that Richards could feature against Arsenal, suggesting the injury was not serious.
For the USMNT, Richards is indispensable. He has earned 36 caps and has been a cornerstone of both the three- and four-man defensive lines deployed by manager Mauricio Pochettino. He was widely expected to be named in the 26-man squad, due to be announced in New York City on Tuesday. His inclusion in that announcement is now very much in question.
Next Up on the USMNT?
While Pochettino has rotated between three- and four-man defensive setups, Richards has been the constant in both. Should he fail to recover in time for the tournament, it represents yet another setback at center back, with Charlotte FC's Tim Ream and FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson both recently returning from lengthy injury layoffs and still not at peak fitness.
Among the available central defenders, Toulouse's Mark McKenzie, Celtic FC's Auston Trusty—who recently claimed the Scottish Premier League title and the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year award—and Tristan Blackmon of Vancouver Whitecaps FC could all emerge as candidates. CF Villarreal fullback Alex Freeman is also a potential center back option, particularly in a three-back system.
The USMNT kicks off their 2026 World Cup group stage campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, giving Richards just 22 days to return to full fitness. The squad will also take on Senegal and Germany in pre-tournament friendlies on May 31 and June 6, a pre-tournament camp Richards was already expected to join late.
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