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Chris Richards Misses US-Germany Friendly with Ankle Injury

6/6/2026

Summary

Chris Richards Out

Defender Chris Richards will miss the U.S. men’s team friendly against Germany on June 6 due to his ankle injury.
He injured ankle ligaments in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on May 17.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Palace’s limited information forces a decision on Richards’ fitness before the World Cup opener on June 12.
If he stays out, captain Tim Ream and defenders Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty will fill the center-back spots.

Summary

Richards Leads

Richards partnered with Stelo, wearing a biosensor that monitors his glucose.
He earned his U.S. Men’s National Team cap in 2020, missed the 2022 World Cup after a leg injury, and was named 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year.
He scored a header in the 2023 Nations League final versus Canada and two goals in the 2025 Gold Cup final against Mexico, saying he aims to guide teammates.

History

Historical Context

When France hosted the 1998 World Cup—the first tournament with 32 teams and a 22-player squad limit set by FIFA on 1 June—newly qualified nations faced a deeper talent pool. Defender Alexi Lalas’ pre-tournament ankle injury forced coach Steve Sampson to reshuffle the back line, illustrating the challenges of debuting on a larger stage.

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Chris Richards Out

Defender Chris Richards will miss the U.S. men’s team friendly against Germany on June 6 due to his ankle injury.
He injured ankle ligaments in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on May 17.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino said Palace’s limited information forces a decision on Richards’ fitness before the World Cup opener on June 12.
If he stays out, captain Tim Ream and defenders Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty will fill the center-back spots.

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