Crystal Palace and United States defender Chris Richards was stretchered off the field during his team’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal shootout loss to Arsenal on Tuesday.
Late in the second half, Richards jumped to intercept an Arsenal cross into the box and seemed to experience discomfort when he landed. He quickly went down, and after he received medical attention from Palace’s staff, he was taken off the field on a stretcher.
After the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed hope that Richards’ injury would not be severe and that he would return to the field in the upcoming games. “He got a knock on his foot; [someone] stepped on it,” Glasner stated. “He needed stitches—I’m not sure how many, but a few. The doctor mentioned it didn’t look too bad, so I’m optimistic. I can’t say if he’ll be ready for the Tottenham match, but I hope he will be back for Fulham.”
Richards, 25, has been a key part of Crystal Palace’s defense this season and is expected to play a pivotal role for the United States in the 2026 World Cup.
If Richards’ injury turns out to be serious, it would add to the growing list of concerns for Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. team following Tyler Adams, who suffered an MCL tear on Dec. 15 during Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.
Adams is anticipated to be sidelined for two to three months as he recovers, but he could regain full fitness ahead of next summer’s World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.