USMNT center-back Chris Richards has suffered two torn ligaments in his ankle, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Thursday, placing the defender's participation in this summer's World Cup under serious doubt.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Richards sustained the injury late in last weekend's Premier League match against Brentford, which he entered in the 61st minute. Glasner revealed that Richards will miss Sunday's fixture against Arsenal and is considered a 50/50 proposition for the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday in Leipzig.
"He tore two ligaments in his ankle. I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling," Glasner said. "He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time."
According to the Foot and Ankle Centre in Australia, recovery from torn ankle ligaments varies by severity. A grade 1 injury sidelines a player for up to two weeks, but the swelling described suggests a grade 2 tear, which typically requires four to six weeks. A grade 3 tear may necessitate surgery and a recovery period of two to three months.
Richards' Importance to USMNT
The 26-year-old has been a cornerstone for Mauricio Pochettino's US squad, earning 13 caps since the start of 2025 and being named US Soccer's Men's Player of the Year in January. He is widely regarded as the only guaranteed starter among US center-backs, a position that remains thin in depth.
Pochettino has only given four center-backs at least 500 minutes across his 24 matches in charge. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie are the other regulars, while Auston Trusty impressed in a March friendly against Portugal.
The US program is also awaiting a decision from Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks, a 19-year-old of Hawaiian descent who is weighing a choice between the US and Germany.
World Cup Timeline and Squad Announcement
Pochettino will announce his 26-man squad on May 26. Richards was always expected to arrive late to camp due to Palace's Conference League run, with most players reporting by June 2. The US plays pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6, leaving Richards in a race to be fit for either match.
The US co-hosts open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Richards' absence would be a significant blow to a defense that relies heavily on his composure and experience.
Palace, meanwhile, face a crucial week: after Sunday's league match against champions Arsenal, they travel to Leipzig for their first European final in 27 years. Glasner confirmed that Richards is receiving round-the-clock treatment to reduce swelling, adding, "We will give our best and he will give his best – and then let's see if we can get it done."
