USMT has received a concerning update over one of their key defenders, Chris Richards, ahead of a this summer's World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino's men will be looking to pull off a memorable home - or at least partly home - World Cup.
But given the obvious level of talent at the World Cup, USMNT is going to need to have its top stars fit and firing on all cylinders. But like every nation at the World Cup, there are injury concerns aplenty going into the end of the club season.
Chris Richards is a big concern
Pochettino's biggest concern involved likely starting defender Chris Richards, who picked up a pretty serious ankle injury recently. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Richards will sit out the Premier League finale against Arsenal, but despite him tearing ligaments in his ankle, he is racing to return for next week's Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano.
“Chris will miss the Arsenal game as well, and it’s now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig," said Glasner.
“He tore two ligaments in his ankle. I think it’s stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling. He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time."
“He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments and everything we can do that reduces the swelling, and of course we have a great medical department, so we will give our best and he will give his best – and then let’s see if we can get it done.”
Richards naturally wants to play in the final, given he has played a big role in getting Palace to that stage in the competition. But given the seriousness of the injury, there is a chance of relapse or worsening it if he does play in Leipzig next week.
That will be a big concern for USMNT and Pochettino, who value Richards as one of their most important players for this summer's World Cup. Richards would have a couple of weeks to get back to full fitness, and ankle ligaments can be strengthened relatively quickly, but if a more severe tear takes place, there is serious potential for Richards to lose his World Cup.
It's a tricky balance for any player, especially with a final involved, but in this circumstance, some of a USMNT persuasion may be quietly hoping he sits out or just comes off the bench to ensure he gets to the World Cup in one piece.
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