Why Is Chris Richards Not Playing Tonight for the USMNT vs Senegal?

Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

Why Is Chris Richards Not Playing Tonight for the USMNT vs Senegal?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated May 31, 2026 3:16 PM ET

The USMNT will play against Senegal in a friendly match to prepare for the World Cup . Mauricio Pochettino has trained the majority of the USMNT World Cup roster this week after the announcement was made earlier this week.

The 26-man USMNT roster was announced last Tuesday, and only Chris Richards was missing from the announcement event due to his team, Crystal Palace, playing in the UEFA Conference League Final.

Richards did not play in the match and joined the rest of the USMNT roster this week. For the match today, Richards will not play with the USMNT, and he will not be present at the match.

Tim Ream #13 of the United States talks to Chris Richards #3 of the United States following the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Belgium won the match 5-2. (Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Richards' last game for the USMNT was against Portugal in March, where he played all 90 minutes. Richards missed the friendly match against Belgium, where he was on the bench.

Mauricio Pochettino on Chris Richards

Chris Richards is still injured and is not expected to be risked ahead of the World Cup. Richards is suffering from an ankle injury and did not travel with the rest of the USMNT to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chris Richards is currently remaining at the training facility outside Atlanta and doing rehab instead of sitting on the bench for the USMNT vs. Senegal match.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino was asked about Richards' potential return, and he said, "The next few days are going to be key."

Richards was available to play last week for Crystal Palace against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League Final, but did not get minutes. His return from injury could be very soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: