Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that centre-back Chris Richards is carrying two torn ankle ligaments, throwing the 26-year-old's participation in this summer's World Cup into serious doubt. The injury, sustained during last weekend's Premier League fixture against Brentford, leaves the United States men's national team facing a significant headache at the back just weeks before the tournament kicks off.

The injury in full

Richards came off the bench in the 61st minute at Brentford and was visibly in discomfort towards the end of the match. Glasner was candid in his assessment on Thursday, revealing the extent of the damage.

"He tore two ligaments in his ankle. I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling," the Austrian said. "He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time."

Richards will miss Palace's final Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Sunday. Glasner also put his availability for Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig at no better than even money. "It's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the final," the manager added, noting that Richards is undergoing intensive treatment throughout each day in an effort to reduce the swelling as quickly as possible.

Why this matters for the USMNT

The timing could hardly be worse for United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Richards has arguably been the one certainty in an otherwise thin pool of centre-backs throughout Pochettino's tenure, earning 13 caps since the start of 2025 and being named the programme's men's player of the year in January. He has also been a key figure for Palace this season, making 45 starts in all competitions and logging 2,827 league minutes.

Pochettino has used only four centre-backs for 500 minutes or more across his 24 matches in charge — Richards, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie. Auston Trusty impressed in the March international window with an 89-minute showing against Portugal, but depth remains a concern. The programme is also awaiting a decision from Augsburg's 19-year-old defender Noahkai Banks, who is still weighing up whether to commit to the United States or Germany at senior level.

Pochettino is scheduled to announce his World Cup squad on 26 May. Even if Richards had been fully fit, his involvement in Palace's Conference League final would have delayed his arrival in camp relative to most other call-ups. The United States play pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal on 31 May and Germany on 6 June before opening their group stage against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles — the latter fixture serving as a co-host nation's statement of intent.

A big week for Crystal Palace too

It is worth remembering that Palace themselves have enormous stakes here. Wednesday's final in Leipzig represents the club's first European final in 27 years, and losing one of their most consistent performers to injury with the finishing line in sight is a blow of its own. Glasner's side face Arsenal on Sunday before making the trip to Germany, and the manager sounded determined to exhaust every option in getting Richards onto the pitch if possible.

"He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments," Glasner said, "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."

For Richards, the coming days will be a test of both his body and his resilience. A World Cup on home soil is the biggest stage imaginable, and with the tournament beginning in three weeks, every hour of treatment counts.

Frequently asked

How long is Chris Richards out injured?
Richards has torn two ligaments in his ankle and will miss Crystal Palace's final Premier League game. His availability for the Conference League final on Wednesday is rated 50/50 by manager Oliver Glasner, and his place in the US World Cup squad remains uncertain.
Will Chris Richards be in the USA World Cup squad?
That is now unclear. He has been one of the most important players under Mauricio Pochettino, but the severity of his ankle injury could affect his inclusion when Pochettino names his squad on 26 May.
When do the USA play their first World Cup 2026 game?
The United States open their 2026 World Cup group stage against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles. They also play pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal on 31 May and Germany on 6 June.