Chris Richards on bench for Conference League final after ankle injury
USMNT defender Chris Richards has been named to the Crystal Palace bench for the Conference League final following his recovery from an ankle injury.
USMNT defender Chris Richards has been named to the bench for Crystal Palace's UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. The 26-year-old was included in the matchday squad after successfully recovering from a left ankle injury.
Richards sustained the injury during Palace's 2-2 draw with Brentford on May 17. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that the center-back had torn two ligaments in his ankle, which kept him sidelined for the final Premier League match of the season. Despite the setback, Richards was still selected for the USA's 2026 World Cup squad.
The defender's inclusion is significant as he remains a vital part of the U.S. national team's defensive plans. Richards was spotted participating in an open training session with his Palace teammates in Germany on Tuesday, signaling his return to fitness. Provided there are no setbacks, he is expected to join the U.S. national training center in Georgia later this week.
Next, Richards will shift his focus to the upcoming World Cup, with the U.S. set to open their campaign against Paraguay on June 12.