Injured: Chris Richards
(Picture: AP)Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has admitted defeat in his race to be fit for the USA’s World Cup 2022 campaign.
Richards, who signed for Palace from Bayern Munich in a deal worth an initial £8.5million this summer, has not played since August 27 because of a leg injury.
The 22-year-old was hoping to get back in time for the tournament, where the USA are in Group B alongside England and Wales. However, Richards said on Instagram that he would not be in the squad for Qatar.
“Gutted that this injury has ruled me out of the World Cup, but I know the boys will go crazy regardless,” he wrote. “Will be rooting for y’all the whole way.”
Palace tonight play at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, with Patrick Vieira promising to field a strong side.
“It’s a competition we take seriously,” said the Palace boss. “Going to Newcastle with the way they are playing makes it more difficult, but we had a draw there, where we competed well.
“We never choose which games to play and not to play. We will put the best team out.”
