Chris Richards
CRYUnited States of America
Right
Mar 28, 2000
26
6'2"
192 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
PalacePlays full game against Portugal
Richards (knee) played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Portugal and is fully fit heading back to his club.
Analysis: Richards had been carefully managed throughout the international break after returning to training earlier in the week, but going the distance against Portugal is the strongest possible confirmation that his knee is no longer a concern. The defender should slot straight back into his starting role with the Eagles heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season, with the World Cup on home soil now just two months away.
Trains, possibility for Tuesday
Richards (knee) trained with the USMNT Monday and is set to be an option for Tuesday's friendly against Portugal, according to Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports.
Analysis: Richards is starting the new week by training, appearing to be working with the rest of his teammates at the USMNT camp. This sets up the defender for a return in their friendly against Portugal, although he is likely to be limited. He is set to be a starter for the team either way come World Cup time, so they may not risk him by playing him too long, especially with two months of the league season remaining.
Dealing with knee injury
Richards is dealing with a knee injury and won't play for the USMNT in the friendly match against Belgium on Saturday, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed during Friday's press conference.
Analysis: Richards won't play against Belgium, but the medical staff will assess him to see if he can face Portugal on Tuesday, March 31. Even if he sits out that game as well, Crystal Palace's medical staff will have plenty of time to assess him since the Eagles won't play until April 10 in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals.
Five clearances in clean sheet
Richards recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Richards posted five clearances, one block and one interception to claim his second clean sheet in the three recent league games.Though, the game marked the first time in nine starts that he did not record a tackle. During his last four outings, he has tallied five tackles, two interceptions, four blocks and 18 clearances, including a minimum of two clearances in every match.
Nets lone goal
Richards scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 3-1 loss versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Richards recorded the lone goal for Crystal Palace on Sunday, allowing three goals from the defense as well. Since his return from injury, the defender has started two league games in a row, winning four tackles with a goal in two appearances.
Standout defensive performer
Richards recorded four tackles (four won), 11 clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 17th minute.
Analysis: Richards led the Crystal Palace defensive effort Saturday with four tackles (four won) and 11 clearances, though they were undone in a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland.The central defender's 90-minute shift was his first Premier League appearance since Dec. after missing four matches due to an ankle injury. Richards has played the full 90 minutes in 17 of his 18 league appearances.
Gets full 90 in Cup loss
Richards played the full 90 in Saturday's FA Cup loss to Macclesfield, supplying 13 clearances and one shot.
Analysis: Richards stayed on the bench last league match against Aston Villa, but he was healthy enough to go the entire way Saturday. After missing the last couple weeks due to an ankle injury, it looks like he's healthy again and should remain in the XI going forward, especially since the schedule is lightening up a bit as January moves further on.
On bench against Aston Villa
Richards (ankle) has been included among the substitutes for Wednesday's clash with Aston Villa.
Analysis: Richards didn't play in the last three Premier League contests due to his ankle issue, but he was a regular starter before that, so he may eventually regain his usual role in the back line. All of Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot are featuring in a back three Wednesday, with the latter the likeliest to make way for Richards eventually. Prior to the injury, Richards was averaging 6.3 clearances per game in league play.
Option, not ready to start
Richards (ankle) is an option for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa but is not yet ready to start, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Let's talk about the good news, Chris is back. He is not able to start, but he will be on the bench."
Analysis: Richards is finally back from his ankle injury after three games out and is ready for the team sheet, an option to face Villa. However, the defender will be limited, as he is not ready to start and will instead serve off the bench. Either way, this is good news for the defender, as he will likely test his legs before returning to a starting role next contest.
Out yet again
Richards (ankle) is out for Sunday's match against Newcastle.
Analysis: Richards was hopeful to return in the next few matches as he deals with an injury, but has yet to heal, as the defender will miss another match. With another quick turnaround into Wednesday's outing against Aston Villa, a return seems unlikely, a rough spell for the defender as the season gets thick with matches.
Set to miss another game
Richards (ankle) is expected to stay out Sunday against Newcastle after coach Oliver Glasner mentioned that "It looks like nobody will come back for this game".
Analysis: Richards would face his third absence in a row after being an ever-present starter before suffering the injury. The central defender should continue to be evaluated in upcoming weeks, but his recovery timeline is unclear. Therefore, Jefferson Lerma could continue to be deployed in the back line.
Tight for Sunday return
Richards (ankle) is out for Thursday's match against Fulham and will be a close call for Sunday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Chris is not back, and for Newcastle [on Sunday] it will be quite tight. His foot is too swollen, so he can't wear a boot right now - it's too painful.
Analysis: Richards is still dealing with his injury and is out at least another match, potentially missing another match with Sunday's game looking to be too tight at the moment. He is currently still feeling the pain from the injury, likely needing to see a major increase of health in the next few days to play Sunday. The club continues to use Jefferson Lerma in his place while he recovers, although Richards should earn back his starting role once fit.
Late call to face Fulham
Richards (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's match against Fulham, according to manager Oliver Glasner, per Sam Tabuteau of The Standard. "We don't know if he's available for Fulham, but once again, his foot got stitched, it's swollen, it goes in the right direction, but you have to wear a boot and kick a ball, and when you have the wound right there, it's very, very painful. So again, it can be that he misses Fulham, it can be that he is available."
Analysis: Richards seems to be a late call for Thursday following a batch of stitches that would force him out Saturday, potentially returning to face Fulham. This remains a major absence for the club if he is still sidelined, as the defender missed his first start and match of the season last time out. That said, a late fitness test will be needed to decide if he is an option, with Jefferson Lerma as a possible replacement after he took his spot Saturday.
Out Sunday
Richards (ankle) is not in the squad for Sunday's clash with Tottenham.
Analysis: Richards misses out after picking up an injury during mid week action in the EFL Cup. The defender will hope to return in time for Thursday's match against Fulham as Jefferson Lerma will fill in at center back Sunday.
Receives stitches on foot
Richards received stitches on his foot immediately after Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Arsenal, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "The doctor told me it doesn't look so bad so let's see if he can face Tottenham on Sunday." He was stretchered off the pitch after being stomped on.
Analysis: Richards was stretchered off Tuesday and fortunately it looks like only stitches were needed to contain the bleeding. It's be surprising if he was available to start Sunday against Tottenham, but Glasner seems like that could be the case. If not, Jaydee Canvot or Jefferson Lerma will likely enter the XI on the back line.
Leads defense with interceptions
Richards generated seven clearances and three interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Burnley.
Analysis: Richards made seven clearances, marking his 10th consecutive game with at least five, and added one block while leading the team with three interceptions. He helped secure Palace's seventh clean sheet as the three-man backline partnership with Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix continues to perform strongly. Offensively, the defender has been less impactful, registering five shots (zero on target) and creating four chances.
Dealing with cramps
Richards (undisclosed) was forced off in the 83rd minute of Saturday's 2-0 victory against Wolves due to cramps, coach Oliver Glasner said in a press conference, according to the News Shopper. "He said he was cramping. Maybe we gave him too long off because he wasn't called up for the United States and had the first week of the international break off. Hopefully it's nothing serious."
Analysis: Richards could not finish Saturday's clash against Wolves due to cramping but should be fit moving forward for Palace. The center-back did not travel for international duty and received the trust of coach Oliver Glasner to play more minutes in the match than he should have had. Richards will hope to be fit for the clash against Strasbourg on Thursday since he is an important figure in Crystal Palace's back-three, and they will need him available as they currently sit ninth in the standings and aim to qualify directly for the next round of the Conference League. That said, if he had to miss some time, Jaydee Canvot will be the main option to replace him in the backline.
Forced off field
Richards was forced off the field in the 83rd minute of Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves due to an apparent injury, according to Bobby Manzi of The Sun.
Analysis: Richards would have to leave the field late into Saturday's contest, as the defender appeared to be dealing with some injury. The club will monitor his status over the week, as the club does have a midweek Conference League match they hope he is fit for. He should be set for further testing in the next day or two, hoping their starting defender only has a minor issue.
Makes starting squad
Richards (calf) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brentford.
Analysis: Richards returned to the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brentford after undergoing scans that revealed no tear in his calf. The center-back had been an undisputed starter for Palace before the injury scare and looks set to continue his regular role in the backline. His quick return reinforces Palace's defense and suggests the issue was minor.
Will be available Saturday
Richards (calf) will be available for Saturday's game against Brentford, manager Olivier Glasner confirmed Friday during the pre-match press conference. "Richards is back tomorrow so he is fine. He trained today without any issues."
Analysis: The return of Richards is a huge boost for Palace's defensive line. The center-back has been a regular at the back when healthy and should slot in the back three alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix.
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