Chris Richards has torn two ligaments in his ankle, sidelining the 26-year-old USMNT defender five days before the World Cup roster announcement. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the injury Thursday, saying Richards will definitely miss the club's final Premier League match against Arsenal and remains a major doubt for the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. The Americans kick off their home World Cup against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, with warm-ups against Senegal and Germany still ahead.

Richards has made 36 appearances for the United States since 2020 and captained the team in its most recent friendly against Portugal. Under Mauricio Pochettino, he's become a regular starter, so his absence would hit the defense hard. The USMNT opens its tournament at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, a match that now looks like it will be played without one of its key defenders.

Glasner described the injury as stable but swollen, noting Richards is receiving treatment from sunrise to sunset. Getting him match-fit in time for the World Cup opener is a real challenge. The Conference League final adds another wrinkle, making his availability a race against both club and country.