Coach Mauricio Pochettino on Friday said injured defender Chris Richards will not play in the United States’ friendly against Germany and expressed frustration that the player’s status in the World Cup squad remains in doubt.
Crystal Palace center-back Richards has 36 US caps and would likely be Pochettino’s first-choice at the heart of defense alongside captain Tim Ream, but Richards picked up an ankle injury last month.
The US will tune up against Germany in Chicago on Saturday without Richards, who was named in the tournament squad but could still be replaced under FIFA rules until 24 hours before the co-hosts’ opening game.
“Today, he’s training… but he’s still not ready to compete and to play,” Pochettino said Friday.
After the Germany game, “we have the possibility in the next few days to assess him and see his ankle… and then to make a decision.”
Hosting the World Cup alongside
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