Chris Richards was injured when he missed the US’s friendly against Senegal; doubtful for the World Cup

American defender Chris Richards is uncertain for the World Cup due to an ankle injury and will miss Sunday’s friendly match against Senegal.

Richards tore two left ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace on 17 May. He arrived at USA training camp on Friday and was assessed by the medical and performance staff.

“We have to see,” American coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday. “The next few days will be crucial, to see the possibility of whether or not we are ready for the World Cup.”

Pochettino said he was curious whether Richards will be available and repeatedly inquired about Richards’ status with Jesús Pérez, his first assistant coach.

«I asked… a hundred times: what do you think?» said Pochettino. “The answer was: wait, wait, wait, wait.”

Twenty-six-man rosters must be submitted to FIFA by June 1, and the U.S. can replace injured players until June 11.

Center back is among the shallowest positions in the American player pool and Richards is considered the best American at that position. Captain Tim Ream, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson are other center backs on the roster.

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Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon and Toronto’s Walker Zimmerman, a member of the 2022 U.S. World Cup team, are said to be possible replacements.

The 26-year-old Richards missed the 2022 World Cup due to a hamstring injury. He would remain in Fayetteville and not travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, for Sunday’s game.

«I think he needs to continue his rehabilitation and I think it is much better to stay here and plan to train next week and re-evaluate how he is doing,» Pochettino said.

Published on May 30, 2026