Chris Richards, the Crystal Palace center back, is back in action for the U.S. men's national team after missing the 5-2 loss to Belgium due to knee discomfort. With the World Cup tune-up match against Portugal on the horizon, Richards is eager to shake off recent injuries and contribute to the U.S. defense.
Richards Talks Knee Injury and Recovery
Ahead of the training session on Monday, Richards addressed concerns about his knee, which caused him to miss the Belgium match. The 26-year-old revealed he had suffered a tough tackle in his last club match with Palace against AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League, which led to some knee soreness. Despite the setback, Richards confirmed that he had been training individually throughout the week and was available for selection for Tuesday’s game.
Richards' return is crucial for the U.S. team, which has been dealing with a thin backline due to injuries. He smiled when asked about his recovery, stating, "I’ve been training individually all week and I’m available." His presence is a relief for the team, which has been hit with a series of defensive injuries leading into this critical period before the World Cup.
U.S. Defensive Woes and Richards’ Importance
The U.S. men’s national team has been struggling with defensive injuries for some time. Left back Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, who had been sidelined for a long period with a knee injury, has returned to action and played a key role against Belgium, assisting Weston McKennie’s goal. Meanwhile, Sergino Dest was left out of the roster due to a hamstring injury, and Miles Robinson was unable to feature against Belgium due to a groin issue, missing out on Tuesday’s match as well.
In Richards' absence, U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino opted for a traditional 4-3-2-1 formation with Robinson, Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Tim Weah in the backline. Richards’ return to fitness is a relief for Pochettino, who acknowledged, "If Chris Richards is available, it’s good." The center back brings essential Premier League experience to the U.S. defense, and his leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Injury Update: Johnny Cardoso’s Setback
In addition to the concerns surrounding Richards’ knee, U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso also had injury news. Cardoso, who started in the match against Belgium and played the first 45 minutes, is heading back to Atlético Madrid to recover from a minor injury. According to Pochettino, Cardoso had arrived with some discomfort, and the plan was for him to play only a half against Belgium. Unfortunately, the midfielder felt the discomfort return during the match and will now focus on rehab.
Preparing for the World Cup: Final Friendly Before Squad Announcement
Tuesday's friendly against Portugal is the final match before Pochettino announces his 26-man World Cup roster on May 26. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, this is a crucial opportunity for players like Richards to prove their fitness and secure their spots for the tournament. The match will be an important step for the U.S. as they continue their preparations for the global stage.
