Chris Richards Returns to Full USMNT Training but Fitness Remains Uncertain Ahead of World Cup Opener

U.S. Men’s National Team on Monday at Great Park in Irvine. The Crystal Palace defender had been limited by a left ankle injury since tearing ligaments during a Premier League match against Brentford on May 17.

Richards finished that match but has not appeared in another game since. He spent much of the past week training separately from the squad while teammates prepared for two pre-tournament friendlies. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed Richards’ status after the session.

“We will see,” Pochettino said. ” Richards offered a more direct assessment. “I feel good,” he told Sports Illustrated. “When I first got into camp after two long days of travel, I had a bit of a swollen ankle, but I’ve been doing treatment almost 24 hours [per day], so I feel really good, and I’m getting ready for the opener a week from today.

Richards arrived at camp with noticeable swelling but has since increased his workload. He appeared in good spirits during Monday’s session, laughing and smiling with teammates and coaches before signing autographs for fans.

U.S. M. PT at SoFi Stadium in its World Cup opener. Richards missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a hamstring injury and has not played an international match since returning from that absence.

U.S. offense. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie operate in midfield. Tim Ream, 38, leads the defense. Richards is viewed within the squad as the most important defensive player because of his combination of physical presence and composure at the back.