USMNT’s Richards resumes individual training ahead of World Cup deadline

U.S. men’s national team defender Chris Richards has resumed individual training for an ankle injury sustained on 17 May while playing for Crystal Palace. Richards missed the team's recent 3-2 victory over Senegal and remains uncertain for the World Cup opener against Paraguay on 12 June. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated it is too early to confirm Richards' availability, noting that the next few days are critical. Richards was included in the final World Cup squad submitted to FIFA, with replacements permitted until 24 hours before the opening match.

Richards trained outside with the rest of the group on Wednesday at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, marking his first appearance on the training field since reporting for camp on Friday. He did not train with the team at the start of the session; instead, he performed resistance band work with two staff members while the group worked with the ball.

Richards flew from Europe to Atlanta to join the USMNT on Friday but remained in Georgia while the team travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the win over Senegal. It is unclear whether Richards will be available for Saturday's friendly against Germany at Chicago's Soldier Field, which serves as the USMNT's final warm-up game before the World Cup begins.

Richards sustained the ankle injury on 17 May and has not played since for Crystal Palace. He missed Palace's Premier League finale against Arsenal on 24 May and was an unused substitute for Palace's win in the UEFA Conference League final on 27 May in Leipzig, Germany.

The USMNT opens their World Cup campaign on 12 June against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Participating national teams have until 24 hours before their opening match to replace players in the squad in case of injury.