Chris Richards, 26, has torn two ligaments in his ankle and will miss Crystal Palace's Premier League match against Arsenal on May 17, 2026, the club confirmed [1, 2]. Palace manager Oliver Glasner said, "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" [1].
Richards suffered the injury during or before Crystal Palace's match against Brentford on May 17, 2026 [1, 2]. His swollen but stable ankle requires ongoing treatment to reduce swelling [1, 2].
His participation in the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 21, 2026, is uncertain, with Glasner estimating the chance at about 50 percent [1, 2]. If Richards misses the final and does not enter US national team camp fully fit, he may lack match fitness for the World Cup starting June 12, 2026 [2].
Richards has been a key defender for Crystal Palace this season, logging 2,827 Premier League minutes and making 49 appearances in all competitions with 2 goals [1, 2]. He has earned 13 caps for the US men's national team since 2025 and is considered a likely starter heading into the 2026 World Cup [1, 2].
He missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury [2]. The USMNT squad for the 2026 tournament will be announced on May 26, 2026 [1, 2].
Richards' recovery will be closely watched as Crystal Palace prepare for their Europa Conference League final and the USMNT finalizes its World Cup roster.
