Landon Donovan keeping ‘fingers crossed’ after Chris Richards injury

The USMNT is trying to wrap its head around the news of defender Chris Richards sustaining an ankle injury. He went down during his final game for Crystal Palace of the English Premier League on Thursday.

Richards suffered two torn ligaments.

As a result, his status for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beginning June 12, remains in jeopardy. The same holds for Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.    Nevertheless, former USMNT player-turned-analyst Landon Donovan is hoping for the best, per Unfiltered Soccer.

Donovan’s optimism derives from Richards walking off the field. He also cited his own experience, noting that walking off the field is a good sign.

“I think he’s going to be fine,” Donovan said. “Good news for national team fans for sure. Let’s hope, one, he plays in the Conference League finals and two that he is more than fine by June 12.”

Fingers crossed for Chris Richards pic.twitter.com/zKSMMy3dXV

— Unfiltered Soccer (@UnfilteredSoccr) May 21, 2026

Richards has played 36 games with the USMNT and has scored three goals. He has been part of the national team since 2020. Since then, he has emerged as one of the top defenders on the national team.

Plus, Richards provides the physicality the Americans sorely need.

Going into the World Cup, the Americans are expected to go far. However, questions have arisen about the team’s direction. There may be a lack of cohesion right before the biggest tournament of their lives.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and run until July 19. The Americans are looking to win their first World Cup.

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