Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards says he has recovered from a sprained ankle and will be available for the United States' World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday. The USMNT center-back missed both pre-tournament friendlies while rehabilitating the injury, initially fearing he would miss his second consecutive World Cup.

Richards acknowledged the recovery process was challenging but necessary. 'Every time they've asked me, I told them I'm good,' he said. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration with Palace's handling of the rehabilitation timeline, noting it took longer than expected. Richards disagreed, saying the process aligned with his expectations of two to three weeks.

The defender emphasized he can perform at full capacity despite some lingering swelling. 'I wouldn't put myself in a position if I didn't think that I could do everything 100%,' Richards stated. His presence on the field significantly improves the USMNT's defensive stability, making his fitness a critical factor for the team's tournament prospects.

Whether Richards starts against Paraguay remains undecided, but his declaration of readiness provides a boost to the American backline. The team needs his aerial ability and defensive experience as they begin their World Cup campaign.