Chris Richards is sidelined for the United States’ final World Cup tune-up match against Senegal, multiple outlets report, due to an ankle injury. The injury is described as having occurred late in the Premier League season while he was with Crystal Palace, and it continued to affect his availability during the U.S. camp. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino says Richards will not travel for the Senegal friendly, and the defender’s participation in the tournament remains in doubt pending further medical evaluation. Reports also note that Pochettino’s assessment was initially cautious, including that Richards’ availability for other pre-tournament fixtures is affected and that his fitness needed additional review. Other coverage indicates Richards takes steps toward recovery, including returning to full training at one point, but uncertainty persists because medical follow-ups are ongoing. While some reports frame the World Cup opener as still potentially reachable depending on results of subsequent assessments, the immediate takeaway across sources is that Richards will not play against Senegal and his final readiness for the World Cup is not fully confirmed.