...
By Jason Fray
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
According to Yahoo Sports writer Steven Goff, United States Men's National Team starting center-back Chris Richards was ruled out of Saturday's upcoming friendly versus Belgium.
Goff reported that Richards has been dealing with a knee issue. Additionally, U.S. Soccer center-back teammate Miles Robinson will also miss this match and Tuesday's game versus Portugal with a groin issue. It's unknown as to whether Richards is available for next week's game.
This is a blow for Mauricio Pochettino's team. These matches were specifically scheduled to test the team as preparation for June's World Cup. Ideally, Pochettino would roll out his best lineup to further build confidence and cohesion against two quality opponents. This dress rehearsal suddenly has a major kink thrown into the mix.
Read More on Sports
More news: MLS Commissioner Would Love for Liverpool Star Mo Salah to Play in U.S.
...
The center-back depth is already paper-thin given that Noahkai Banks has yet to officially commit to the USMNT. Tim Ream is 38 years of old, and has been showing obvious signs of depreciating as a player in recent weeks. The other options are either inexperienced, unknowns, or major question marks.
Richards in particular has been the lynchpin of this unit. He plays weekly for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. He's taken a leadership role within this team, and has unquestionably been one of the national team's most consistent performers.
From an optimistic point of view, this gives Pochettino an opportunity to see how other players will fare against two very good teams. Conventional wisdom would assume that Ligue 1 veteran Mark McKenzie slots in as a starter. Auston Trusty (Celtic), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), and Alex Freeman (Villarreal) could also feature next to Ream in a back-three alignment.
More news: UCLA Hints at Special Jackie Robinson-Themed Baseball Uniform in New Photos
The United States kicks off its hosting of the 2026 World Cup on June 12 versus Paraguay in Los Angeles.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines