USMNT's Chris Richards Reveals Comeback Timeline After Shocking Stretcher Exit in Carabao Cup Quarterfinals
Crystal Palace and USMNT center-back Chris Richards has reassured supporters that his injury won't keep him out of action for an extended period after being stretchered off during his team's Carabao Cup quarterfinal loss to Arsenal.
The defender went down in agony after competing for an aerial ball in the 75th minute of Palace's defeat. Video footage of the moment didn't reveal any obvious cause for concern, but Richards needed extensive medical attention before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher with a blanket covering his lower body.
Palace supporters feared the worst regarding a potential serious injury to one of their vital defensive players, while USMNT fans were anxious about another devastating fitness setback coming just days after skipper Tyler Adams sustained a severe knee problem that has put the Bournemouth midfielder in a battle to be fit for next summer's World Cup on American soil.
Thankfully for Richards, his injury appears to have been less severe than initially feared.
"Thanks everybody for the messages, won't be long til I'm back," Richards shared on Instagram.
Oliver Glasner Confident of Quick Return
Palace return to Premier League duty on Sunday when they host Tottenham Hotspur. Although manager Oliver Glasner doesn't anticipate the USMNT defender being ready for that fixture, he remains optimistic that Richards could be available when 2026 begins next week.
"He suffered a knock to his foot, someone stepped on his foot and it required stitches," Glasner explained. "The medical team informed me it doesn't appear too serious. I remain optimistic and we must stay positive.
"I'm uncertain if he'll be ready for the Tottenham match but I'm still hoping he can return for the Fulham fixture [on Jan. 1] because we only have 16 outfield players available and we cannot afford to lose another player."
This update provides significant relief for the USMNT, as Richards plays a vital role in Mauricio Pochettino's squad. The promising defender was absent from the 2022 World Cup due to injury but will be eager to finally make his tournament appearance next summer.