CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Richards participated in a workout in Chicago on Friday, showing positive signs that America’s top defender will be ready in time for the game. world cup.
Richards I tore two ligaments in my left ankle. While playing for England’s Crystal Palace on May 17, he was ruled out of Saturday’s friendly. GermanyHowever, the United States is holding out hope that he may be able to play in next week’s World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Midfielder Weston McKennie said: “Chris Richards is back and on the right path to joining the team permanently.” “I think everyone trusts his body and his feelings and the coaching staff. He’s an important part of the group with his energy and leadership on and off the field. And obviously we’re all rooting for him and can’t wait to have him back in the group.”
During a 15-minute practice open to the media, the 26-year-old Richards warmed up with the rest of the team at the Endeavor Health Performance Center, the practice home of Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, and showed no problems.
Richards, who missed the 2022 World Cup with a hamstring injury, is considered the United States’ best central defender.
“He’s training and evolving well, but he’s not ready to compete or play yet,” U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino said before practice.
Pochettino and the United States are running out of time to make a decision on Richards. They have until Thursday to replace injured players on their 26-man roster.
“Maybe this is the World Cup final and he can play,” Pochettino said of Saturday’s game at Soldier Field. “But the medical advice is not to play.”
America is falling out 3-2 victory Over Senegal on Sunday. Following the matchup against Paraguay, the United States will play Group D games against Australia on June 19th and Turkey on June 25th.
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