Chris Richards fitness concern leaves Crystal Palace sweating before Conference League final
· Yahoo Sports
Chris Richards remains a major doubt ahead of Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano after suffering ankle ligament damage.
The United States international has emerged as one of Palace’s most reliable defenders under Oliver Glasner this season, making his fitness one of the biggest storylines before Wednesday’s final in Leipzig.
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CBS Sports Golazo pundit Jimmy Conrad said he “just [doesn’t] see Chris Richards missing out on the opportunity to play in a final”, but Palace are still waiting to discover whether the 26-year-old will be fit enough to start.
Oliver Glasner delivers concerning Chris Richards injury update
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesGlasner confirmed earlier this week that Richards tore two ligaments in his ankle and described the defender as “50/50” for the final.
The Palace manager explained that the ankle remains swollen, although the joint itself is considered stable.
UEFA’s official match preview also listed Richards among Palace’s key injury concerns before the game against Rayo Vallecano.
The timing is far from ideal for Palace, who are preparing for one of the biggest European matches in the club’s history.
Richards has become an important part of Glasner’s defensive system thanks to his recovery pace, composure in possession and ability to defend wide areas.
Chris Richards has become a key player for Crystal Palace
The defender has made 49 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice.
CBS Sports also reported that no American player has featured more often for a Premier League club during the current campaign.
That workload underlines how heavily Glasner has relied on Richards throughout the season.
While Palace have defensive alternatives available, Richards has developed into one of the side’s most consistent performers during their run to the Conference League final.
His potential absence would force Glasner into a significant decision ahead of a match where defensive organisation and recovery defending are likely to prove crucial.
World Cup concern eased despite Palace uncertainty
There is better news for the United States national team.
According to CBS Sports, Richards’ injury is not currently expected to affect his involvement at the World Cup unless he suffers a setback during recovery.
That will come as a relief to Mauricio Pochettino given Richards’ growing importance for the USMNT.
For Palace, though, the immediate concern remains the Conference League final.
Richards has become one of the first names in Glasner’s defence, and Palace will hope he can recover in time to feature in Leipzig.
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