After U.S. men’s national team defender Chris Richards told reporters Wednesday he’s ready for the World Cup after being limited with an ankle injury, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Thursday that Richards is available for selection.
“Chris is available to be selected, and then we will decide if he starts from the beginning of the game or is on the bench,” Pochettino said Thursday in his final press conference before the U.S. open Group D play Friday night against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.
Richards, 26, who sustained a pair of torn ligaments in his left ankle while playing for Premier League side Crystal Palace on May 17, missed the U.S.’s two warm-up friendlies against Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6).
However, he has been a full participant at practice this week for the first time since the injury.
“I’m ready to go,” Richards told reporters Wednesday, adding that he has not been informed of any minutes restrictions. “It’s the World Cup. I was going to make myself ready regardless. … If there’s any time to sacrifice yourself, it’s now. I know I’m able to play Friday but I don’t make those decisions.”
Pochettino said in his press conference that the decision regarding whether Richards will start or be available off the bench has been made. However, he didn’t disclose who would be in the starting 11, which he said is “already decided.”
–Field Level Media
