Chris Richards of the United States spoke to the media during a training session on Wednesday ahead of the World Cup at Great Sports Park in Irvine, California. The center-back is racing to be ready for the US opener against Paraguay, declaring, 'I have to make it.'
Richards Back in Full Training
Richards returned to full training on Monday after sustaining an ankle injury in Crystal Palace's second-to-last Premier League match. The injury raised fears that he might miss the tournament, but he is now pushing for a starting spot in Group D.
Overcoming Injury Setbacks
Richards admitted his ankle was severely swollen after the hit, leading him to fear the worst. 'Once I got the diagnosis, I was like, all right, cool. Whatever it takes, I have to make it for this first game,' he said on Wednesday. He credited massages, ice, and compression for his recovery.
The defender also had to manage a transatlantic flight, which may have complicated his timeline. Having missed the 2022 World Cup with a hamstring injury, he was determined not to repeat that experience. 'When I first came out with the injury, I was pretty devastated,' Richards said. 'I was honestly fearing the worst, but I kind of forced myself back on the pitch to prove to myself that it was doable.'
Key Role in Defense
Richards is expected to start at the heart of the US backline, using his strength to muscle opponents off the ball and organize the defense. Fellow center-back Mark McKenzie praised the group's chemistry, saying, 'We have a lot of chemistry, and on the field, it helps with understanding each other's tendencies.'
Preparation for Paraguay
Neither Richards nor McKenzie played in the US's 2-1 friendly win over Paraguay in November, but both teams have since analyzed that match. Paraguay will be without creator Julio Enciso, which could lead them to adopt a more defensive approach.
Richards is focused on securing three points in the opener. 'If you can start off the World Cup with three points – not just for our confidence, but also to show the group that we want to be the top dogs in this group,' he said. 'I think with a statement hopefully on Friday and three points, that'll definitely set the tone for the World Cup.'
