Time is of the essence for one of the most important players on the U.S. men’s national team, as star center back Chris Richards is now in doubt for the 2026 World Cup with torn ligaments in his ankle, according to Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
Addressing reporters ahead of Palace’s final Premier League clash of the season against league champions Arsenal, the manager revealed that the 26-year-old defender had suffered two torn ligaments in his left ankle, casting doubt not only on his World Cup status but, more immediately, his status for the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday against Spain’s Rayo Vallecano.