USMNT's Chris Richards could miss three more matches with foot injury - Glasner
The USMNT international has been absent since injuring his foot in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Arsenal.
ADRIAN DENNIS / Getty Images
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner fears defender Chris Richards will miss a further three games through injury.
The USMNT international has been absent since injuring his foot in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Arsenal on December 23, sitting out the 1-0 Premier League defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on December 28 and missing Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Glasner had hoped that Richards would return to face Fulham match but the 25-year-old has remained in significant discomfort after having stitches in his foot.
Now, he could be out for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United, next Wednesday’s visit of Aston Villa and then the FA Cup third round tie with Macclesfield.
More promisingly, however, Glasner was hopeful that Richards’ injury will have cleared up sufficiently to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on January 17.
“I’m always hopeful and always see the glass half full even when it’s half empty,” he said in his press conference after the Fulham draw.
“We thought maybe he’d be available today but yesterday I saw his foot again and thought the next games will arrive very soon. It was still very swollen. As soon as he slips into a boot the wound starts bleeding.
“From my perspective it can easily be that he can’t play the next three games, but hopefully then (he will be available). But we will try our best, he will try his best and our medical department, which is great, will give their best.”
Jefferson Lerma has stepped back into defence in his place, but could be required in midfield after Will Hughes suffered a hip problem, meaning Jaydee Canvot would be likely to deputise instead.
Richards has been an integral part of Palace’s defence this season, having been an ever-present in the Premier League and playing 24 games in all competitions.
Matt Woosnam is the Crystal Palace writer for The Athletic. He also covers topics surrounding climate and environmental sustainability in sport. Matt previously worked as a freelance writer for the South London Press and MailOnline. Follow Matt on Twitter @MattWoosie