Chris Richards declares himself ready for USMNT opener against Paraguay

USMNT defender Chris Richards says his recovery from a sprained ankle has progressed to the point where he's "ready" to face Paraguay in the team's World Cup opener on Friday.

Conceding his ankle might be a “little swollen,” Richards said, “I'm ready. I mean, it's World Cup, so I'm going to make myself ready, regardless."

Richards back in full training before first match Center-back feared worst after Palace ankle injury US face Paraguay in high-pressure Group D start If it was up to Chris Richards, he’d be in the lineup when the United States opens Group D action against Paraguay. The center-back is among the most important players on the squad, the clear lead defender among a deep corps of options. When he exited Crystal Palace’s second-to-last Premier League fixture with an ankle injury, anxiety spiked that Mauricio Pochettino’s side would enter the tournament without their bedrock. Richards was as tense as anybody, admitting his ankle was so swollen after the hit that he braced for the worst – again. Continue reading...

If it was up to Chris Richards, he’d be in the lineup when the United States opens Group D action against Paraguay. When he exited Crystal Palace’s second-to-last Premier League fixture with an ankle injury, anxiety spiked that Mauricio Pochettino’s side would enter the tournament without its bedrock. Richards was as tense as anybody, admitting his ankle was so swollen after the hit that he braced for the worst – again.