Chris Richards trains with United States team with World Cup deadline looming

CHICAGO — Chris Richards joined the United States for training on Friday in Chicago in a positive sign for the top American defender as he tries to make it back in time for the World Cup.

Read more Fans can bring factory-sealed, disposable water bottles into World Cup stadiums in US, Canada

Richards tore two ligaments in his left ankle while playing for England’s Crystal Palace on May 17. He has been ruled out for Saturday’s friendly against Germany, but the United States is holding out hope that he might be able to play in its World Cup opener next week against Paraguay.

“Chris Richards is on the right path to coming back and being completely with the squad,” midfielder Weston McKennie said. “I think everyone trusts his body and what he feels and the coaching staff as well. He’s an important piece of the group, [with] his energy, his leadership on and off the field. And so obviously we’re just all behind him and can’t wait to have him back and out with the group.”

During the 15-minute portion of practice that was open to the media, the 26-year-old Richards showed no signs of any issues as he warmed up with the rest of the team at Endeavor Health Performance Center, the practice home for the Chicago Fire.

Richards, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of a hamstring injury, is considered the best central defender for the United States.

Read more A giant waterfront sanctuary plus much-needed housing in Chelsea. What took so long?

“His training and his evolution is well, but he still is not ready to compete and to play,” United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said before practice.

Pochettino and the Americans are running out of time when it comes to making a decision on Richards. They can replaced injured players on their 26-man roster until Thursday.

“Maybe this is the final of the World Cup, maybe he can play,” Pochettino said of Saturday’s game at Soldier Field, “but the advice of the medical area is not to play.”

The United States is coming off a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Sunday. Following its matchup with Paraguay, the Americans have Group D games against Australia on June 19 and Turkey on June 25.

Read more Iran’s soccer team readies to leave for World Cup as some officials still await US visas