Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Tuesday that defender Chris Richards attended training ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final. Richards, who tore two ankle ligaments in Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brighton, remains a 50‑50 proposition for the match. The United States centre‑back is also racing to stay fit for the World Cup, which begins in less than three weeks, and eager to prove his recovery.

Glasner said the final decision on Richards, as well as midfielder Adam Wharton, will be made on the day of the final after a medical review. Both players trained without major issues but still report pain, which Glasner described as typical after a long season. Palace face Rayo Vallecano, marking Glasner’s last game in charge.

Richards captained the USMNT in their recent friendly against Portugal and is viewed as a defensive cornerstone for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. Missing the 2022 Qatar World Cup with a hamstring, he now hopes to feature in the United States’ opening group match versus Paraguay on June 13. His availability will shape both Palace’s title hopes and America’s World Cup campaign.