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Pochettino frustrated by injured Richards' World Cup status
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration regarding defender Chris Richards' uncertain status for the upcoming World Cup. Richards, a Crystal Palace center-back with 36 US caps, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month. He will miss the United States' friendly against Germany in Chicago. Although Richards was named to the tournament squad, FIFA rules allow for his replacement up to 24 hours before the co-hosts' opening game. Pochettino stated that Richards is training but not yet ready to compete, and a decision on his World Cup participation will be made after further assessment of his ankle. The US will open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay next Friday in Los Angeles, with Australia and Turkey as other group opponents. Pochettino indicated that the recovery timeline for Richards has been longer than anticipated, leading to his frustration. He suggested that waiting for Richards to recover might negatively impact the squad, as there is limited time during the World Cup for players who are not fully match-fit.
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