With little over six months to go before the 2026 World Cup, USMNT defender Chris Richards was stretchered off during a Carabao Cup game for Crystal Palace.
Richards was playing for Palace in Tuesday’s quarterfinal against Arsenal. Late on in the game Richards rose to defend a cross into the box and appeared to land heavily, immediately expressing discomfort.
The Palace medical team was quickly on the field to offer assistance but the 25-year-old had to be stretchered off. A full report on his health has not yet been issued by the Premier League team but another injury would be a major blow for the United States team.
USMNT injuries cause headaches
Richards looked set to be a guaranteed starter for USMNT at the World Cup and head coach Mauricio Pochettino will hope that any injury is only a minor one. The FC Dallas academy product has been a Premier League regular for the past three seasons, a key part of an over-performing Palace side.
USMNT has already suffered one injury blow this month after Tyler Adams tore his MCL during Bournemouth’s Premier League game against Manchester United. Adams is expected to be out for around three months while he recovers, leaving him little time to recover full match fitness before the summer tournament.
For now, Richards’ injury is unlikely to be as serious as the one suffered by Adams. However Pochettino will be anxiously awaiting news of Richards’ diagnosis, as will many fans of Crystal Palace and USMNT.