Crystal Palace and United States defender Chris Richards He was carried off the field on a stretcher during his team’s Carabao Cup quarter-final penalty shootout loss to Arsenal on Tuesday.
Richards jumped to defend an Arsenal cross into the area late in the second half and appeared to be in discomfort after landing. He then collapsed to the ground and, after treatment by Palace’s medical team, was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
After the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said he hoped the injury was not too serious and that Richards would be back on the field within the next few matches.
“He took a hit on his foot [someone] “He got his foot stepped on,” Glassner said. “He had to be stitched. I don’t know how many stitches but a few. The doctor told me it doesn’t look too bad, so I’m optimistic. I don’t know if he’ll come back for the Tottenham game, but I hope he comes back to Fulham.”
The 25-year-old has once again become a regular on the right side of Crystal Palace’s defense this season, and is expected to play an important role for the United States at the 2026 World Cup.
If Richards’ injury is serious, this will be the second bad news for Mauricio Pochettino and the Americans yet Tyler Adams He tore his MCL on December 15 during Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United in the English Premier League.
Adams is expected to be out of action for a period of between two and three months until he recovers from the injury and can return to full fitness before the World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.