Chris Richards to miss Senegal friendly, USMNT World Cup status still unclear | OneFootball

Chris Richards will miss the USMNT’s first pre-World Cup friendly against Senegal with an ankle injury, and his World Cup status is uncertain. According to NY Times, his availability remains in doubt.

He was injured on the penultimate Premier League weekend with Crystal Palace, missed the finale against Arsenal, and did not play in Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. After the final, he was the last of the 26 to reach camp in Georgia, going straight from Atlanta airport on Friday for assessment.

On Saturday Mauricio Pochettino said Richards would not train or travel to Charlotte for Sunday’s match. Staff have told him to wait, and the next few days will be key to judging whether Richards could be ready for the World Cup. The plan is to continue rehab and re-evaluate next week.

A final World Cup roster is due Monday, June one, with injury replacements allowed until 24 hours before the opener against Paraguay on June 12. Richards is seen as the leading centre back and, if fit, would be expected to start, so his absence would expose a thin area. Pochettino has named Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson and captain Tim Ream, plus Joe Scally and Alex Freeman as right-sided options in a back three.

At least two will start against Senegal, who include Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr. Pochettino plans to manage minutes and avoid risks, and Christian Pulisic hinted at further experimentation against Germany on June six in Chicago.

Source: NY Times