Chris Richards has torn two ligaments in his left ankle, and the timing is awkward for both Crystal Palace and the USMNT. Oliver Glasner says the defender is in treatment from sunrise until sunset, but the swelling is still a problem. Palace now have a race against time on their hands for the Conference League final, while the Americans are due to name their 26-man World Cup squad in New York City on Tuesday, May 26.
How serious is the setback?
The injury happened in the 77th minute of Palace’s 2–2 draw with Brentford. From there, the picture has been guarded rather than definitive. Glasner said, “I think it's stable, but quite swollen, and we have to deal with the swelling. He has to get back on the pitch to be available, and it takes time.”
That wording matters. He did not sound like a manager expecting a quick fix, but he also did not close the door on Richards playing again soon. Another update from Glasner was even more explicit about the workload around the recovery: “He is in from sunrise until sunset having treatments and everything we can do that reduces the swelling, 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.”
The numbers explain why Palace are pushing so hard. Richards made 33 Premier League appearances in 2025 and played 13 times in the UEFA Europa Conference League, so this is not a squad player issue. He has been central to the season, and his last five Premier League appearances carried an average rating of 6.3.
What it means for Palace and the USMNT
Glasner has already said Richards will miss the Arsenal game, and he also described the final in Leipzig as “50/50” for the player and the club. That is the right way to read it. There is still hope, but there is no clean timeline and no source here saying he will be fit in time.
Palace’s league position adds another layer. They are 15th in the Premier League with 45 points after 37 matches, so the final few domestic games are about managing bodies as much as chasing anything in the table. The bigger target is the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, May 27, and that is why Richards’ status has turned into a club decision as much as an international one.
The USMNT angle is just as pressing. If Richards is not ready, the center-back options mentioned include Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Tristan Blackmon and Alex Freeman. Mauricio Pochettino has more than one way to fill the spot, but losing Richards this close to the squad announcement would still be a significant problem.
For now, the story is simple enough. Richards is doing everything he can, Palace are doing the same, and the next hard deadline is the roster reveal in New York on May 26.
FAQ
Will Chris Richards be fit for the Conference League final?
It is still unclear. Oliver Glasner has described Richards' situation as a race against time, said the ankle is stable but swollen, and also called the final a 50/50 call. No source confirms he will be fit in time.
When will the USMNT announce its World Cup squad?
The USMNT are due to unveil their 26-man World Cup squad in New York City on Tuesday, May 26. Richards' fitness matters because that announcement comes before the wider recovery picture is resolved.
Who could replace Chris Richards for the USMNT if he is not ready?
The center-back options mentioned include Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Tristan Blackmon and Alex Freeman. Richards' absence would force Mauricio Pochettino to lean harder on that group.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
