It wasn’t the worst news the US men’s national team could have conjured up. But it wasn’t very far off either.
After center back Chris Richards sat out Crystal Palace’s training session Thursday, manager Oliver Glasner told reporters the USMNT stalwart has “two torn ligaments in his ankle” and is “50/50” to play in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano next week.
A US Soccer spokesman declined comment on Richards’ status.
Richards injured his ankle in the second half of Palace’s 2-2 draw against Brentford over the weekend, but finished the game before being helped off the pitch.
With the possible exception of Christian Pulisic, Richards is the player the U.S. can least afford to lose.
Not only is he the most dependable American center back, but the position as a whole is one at which the team lacks depth.
Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie are seen as the two most likely starters alongside Richards if the U.S. plays with three at the back.
If Richards is unable to play, it could be Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson or even Tristan Blackmon.
While Noahkai Banks’ inclusion was heavily discussed going into the March window, his decision to decline a call-up in that window to keep the option open to play for Germany, coupled with falling out of Augsburg’s lineup, seems to make his inclusion highly unlikely.
Richards, who will sit the last game of Palace’s Premier League season on Sunday against Arsenal, does still have time on his side.
Though the US roster will be named next Tuesday, the day before Palace play in the Conference League final, the opening game of the World Cup isn’t until June 12, with warmup friendlies on April 31 and June 6.