Chris Richards
CRYUnited States of America
Right
Mar 28, 2000
26
6'2"
192 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
PalaceSet to avoid extended absence
Richards (ankle) is reported to be dealing with a low-grade injury and remains hopeful to play fully for USMNT in the World Cup, per Men in Blazers.
Analysis: Richards is ruled out for Sunday's EPL season finale against Arsenal as he recovers from his ankle issue, with Crystal Palace coach saying that "it's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig." ahead of the UEFA Conference League final on May 27. The defender should be called up for the World Cup and play a major role, assuming he stays fit throughout the tournament. He finished the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a career-high 196 clearances while adding 55 tackles, 43 interceptions and one goal over 33 appearances (31 starts). Chadi Riad is likely to feature for the Eagles while Richards is sidelined against Arsenal.
Out for season finale
Richards (ankle) won't play in Sunday's season finale against Arsenal, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Chris will miss the Arsenal game as well, and it's now 50/50 for him and for us if he can play in the Final in Leipzig. He tore two ligaments in his ankle. 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."
Analysis: Based on the nature of the injury, it wouldn't be surprising if Richards also missed the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano next Wednesday. Richards is expected to be named to the USMNT squad if healthy. The centre-back finished the 2025/26 Premier League season with a career-high 196 clearances, as well as 55 tackles, 43 interceptions and a goal in 33 appearances (31 starts) for the Eagles.
Doubt for season finale
Richards (ankle) is a big doubt for Sunday's season finale against Arsenal after being spotted walking around with strapping on his left ankle and not training Thursday, according to Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport.
Analysis: Richards had completed the draw against Brentford despite twisting his ankle late in the match, but the visible strapping ahead of the weekend confirms he will unlikely be risked for the final fixture of Crystal Palace's season and with the UEFA Conference League final looming next week. The American center-back's condition will be monitored closely over the coming days with the World Cup on home soil in June firmly in mind, making the severity of the ankle issue a matter of real concern for both club and the USMNT.
Ankle concern believed to be minor
Richards (undisclosed) was assisted off the pitch at the final whistle against Brentford with his left boot removed, raising immediate concerns over his fitness despite having completed the match after coming on in the second half, but manager Oliver Glasner was optimistic by saying "Chris I think twisted his ankle, I think Thiago landed on his ankle and then it twisted, it's quite swollen so we have to assess it further. But hopefully he can return in the midweek".
Analysis: Richards managed to see out the remainder of the match after his introduction, but the sight of him requiring assistance to leave the pitch with his boot off suggests he was managing some discomfort in the closing stages. The severity of the ankle issue has yet to be confirmed, but he's hopeful to make a quick return heading into a critical period. With the United States set to compete in the World Cup on home soil in June, any significant injury to the center-back would be a major blow for both club and country. Further examination will be required before a clearer picture emerges on his availability for the tournament.
Three shots Sunday
Richards recorded three shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton.
Analysis: Richards took a season-high three shots Sunday, putting one on target for just the second time this season. Although he didn't find the back of the net, it was a solid attacking display for the center back. He also recorded nine clearances, one tackle and one accurate cross in his productive 90 minutes of action.
Plays full game against Portugal
Richards (knee) played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Portugal and is fully fit heading back to his club.
Analysis: Richards had been carefully managed throughout the international break after returning to training earlier in the week, but going the distance against Portugal is the strongest possible confirmation that his knee is no longer a concern. The defender should slot straight back into his starting role with the Eagles heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season, with the World Cup on home soil now just two months away.
Trains, possibility for Tuesday
Richards (knee) trained with the USMNT Monday and is set to be an option for Tuesday's friendly against Portugal, according to Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports.
Analysis: Richards is starting the new week by training, appearing to be working with the rest of his teammates at the USMNT camp. This sets up the defender for a return in their friendly against Portugal, although he is likely to be limited. He is set to be a starter for the team either way come World Cup time, so they may not risk him by playing him too long, especially with two months of the league season remaining.
Dealing with knee injury
Richards is dealing with a knee injury and won't play for the USMNT in the friendly match against Belgium on Saturday, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed during Friday's press conference.
Analysis: Richards won't play against Belgium, but the medical staff will assess him to see if he can face Portugal on Tuesday, March 31. Even if he sits out that game as well, Crystal Palace's medical staff will have plenty of time to assess him since the Eagles won't play until April 10 in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals.
Five clearances in clean sheet
Richards recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Richards posted five clearances, one block and one interception to claim his second clean sheet in the three recent league games.Though, the game marked the first time in nine starts that he did not record a tackle. During his last four outings, he has tallied five tackles, two interceptions, four blocks and 18 clearances, including a minimum of two clearances in every match.
Nets lone goal
Richards scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 3-1 loss versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Richards recorded the lone goal for Crystal Palace on Sunday, allowing three goals from the defense as well. Since his return from injury, the defender has started two league games in a row, winning four tackles with a goal in two appearances.
Standout defensive performer
Richards recorded four tackles (four won), 11 clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 17th minute.
Analysis: Richards led the Crystal Palace defensive effort Saturday with four tackles (four won) and 11 clearances, though they were undone in a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland.The central defender's 90-minute shift was his first Premier League appearance since Dec. after missing four matches due to an ankle injury. Richards has played the full 90 minutes in 17 of his 18 league appearances.
Gets full 90 in Cup loss
Richards played the full 90 in Saturday's FA Cup loss to Macclesfield, supplying 13 clearances and one shot.
Analysis: Richards stayed on the bench last league match against Aston Villa, but he was healthy enough to go the entire way Saturday. After missing the last couple weeks due to an ankle injury, it looks like he's healthy again and should remain in the XI going forward, especially since the schedule is lightening up a bit as January moves further on.
On bench against Aston Villa
Richards (ankle) has been included among the substitutes for Wednesday's clash with Aston Villa.
Analysis: Richards didn't play in the last three Premier League contests due to his ankle issue, but he was a regular starter before that, so he may eventually regain his usual role in the back line. All of Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot are featuring in a back three Wednesday, with the latter the likeliest to make way for Richards eventually. Prior to the injury, Richards was averaging 6.3 clearances per game in league play.
Option, not ready to start
Richards (ankle) is an option for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa but is not yet ready to start, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Let's talk about the good news, Chris is back. He is not able to start, but he will be on the bench."
Analysis: Richards is finally back from his ankle injury after three games out and is ready for the team sheet, an option to face Villa. However, the defender will be limited, as he is not ready to start and will instead serve off the bench. Either way, this is good news for the defender, as he will likely test his legs before returning to a starting role next contest.
Out yet again
Richards (ankle) is out for Sunday's match against Newcastle.
Analysis: Richards was hopeful to return in the next few matches as he deals with an injury, but has yet to heal, as the defender will miss another match. With another quick turnaround into Wednesday's outing against Aston Villa, a return seems unlikely, a rough spell for the defender as the season gets thick with matches.
Set to miss another game
Richards (ankle) is expected to stay out Sunday against Newcastle after coach Oliver Glasner mentioned that "It looks like nobody will come back for this game".
Analysis: Richards would face his third absence in a row after being an ever-present starter before suffering the injury. The central defender should continue to be evaluated in upcoming weeks, but his recovery timeline is unclear. Therefore, Jefferson Lerma could continue to be deployed in the back line.
Tight for Sunday return
Richards (ankle) is out for Thursday's match against Fulham and will be a close call for Sunday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Chris is not back, and for Newcastle [on Sunday] it will be quite tight. His foot is too swollen, so he can't wear a boot right now - it's too painful.
Analysis: Richards is still dealing with his injury and is out at least another match, potentially missing another match with Sunday's game looking to be too tight at the moment. He is currently still feeling the pain from the injury, likely needing to see a major increase of health in the next few days to play Sunday. The club continues to use Jefferson Lerma in his place while he recovers, although Richards should earn back his starting role once fit.
Late call to face Fulham
Richards (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's match against Fulham, according to manager Oliver Glasner, per Sam Tabuteau of The Standard. "We don't know if he's available for Fulham, but once again, his foot got stitched, it's swollen, it goes in the right direction, but you have to wear a boot and kick a ball, and when you have the wound right there, it's very, very painful. So again, it can be that he misses Fulham, it can be that he is available."
Analysis: Richards seems to be a late call for Thursday following a batch of stitches that would force him out Saturday, potentially returning to face Fulham. This remains a major absence for the club if he is still sidelined, as the defender missed his first start and match of the season last time out. That said, a late fitness test will be needed to decide if he is an option, with Jefferson Lerma as a possible replacement after he took his spot Saturday.
Out Sunday
Richards (ankle) is not in the squad for Sunday's clash with Tottenham.
Analysis: Richards misses out after picking up an injury during mid week action in the EFL Cup. The defender will hope to return in time for Thursday's match against Fulham as Jefferson Lerma will fill in at center back Sunday.
Receives stitches on foot
Richards received stitches on his foot immediately after Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Arsenal, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "The doctor told me it doesn't look so bad so let's see if he can face Tottenham on Sunday." He was stretchered off the pitch after being stomped on.
Analysis: Richards was stretchered off Tuesday and fortunately it looks like only stitches were needed to contain the bleeding. It's be surprising if he was available to start Sunday against Tottenham, but Glasner seems like that could be the case. If not, Jaydee Canvot or Jefferson Lerma will likely enter the XI on the back line.
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