Chris Richards declares himself fit for USA World Cup opener against Paraguay
United States defender Chris Richards has declared himself fully fit for Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay after recovering from a sprained ankle that threatened his tournament participation.
The Crystal Palace centre-back missed recent warm-up fixtures, including a defeat by Germany, due to the lingering issue.
However, the 24-year-old insists he has made sufficient progress to face the South American side.
“I’m ready. I mean, it’s the World Cup so I’m going to make myself ready regardless.”
“I’m feeling good. Maybe a little swollen, but nothing tape can’t help.”
Pochettino frustration over recovery timeline
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently expressed frustration regarding the defender’s rehabilitation timeline.
The former Chelsea manager admitted he was annoyed by the initial medical information provided by Palace.
The injury was originally diagnosed as a day-to-day concern, but ultimately required a recovery period of several weeks.
Despite the extended layoff, the American international felt the timeframe was entirely standard.
“It’s been long days of just trying to get my ankle right, swelling, whatever the case is, trying to get everything right.”
“But it took about as long as I expected. I think the initial diagnosis was day to day, but I think for me I was maybe more at the two to three weeks.”
Overcoming injury fears
The Premier League regular missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar due to a hamstring injury.
He openly admitted that the initial pain of this latest ankle sprain left him fearing he would miss a second consecutive World Cup.
“When I first came out with the injury, I was pretty devastated and I was honestly fearing the worst.”
“But I kind of forced myself back on the pitch to prove to myself that it was doable.”
The American backline is widely regarded as significantly more robust when the imposing centre-half is available for selection.
It now remains up to Pochettino to decide if his star defender is ready to start from the opening whistle on Friday.