US defender Chris Richards optimistic about quick Palace return after foot injury

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Crystal Palace's Chris Richards, left, and Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus jump for the ball during the English Football League Cup quarter-final soccer match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace in London, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in action during the English Football League Cup quarter-final soccer match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace in London, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) — Crystal Palace's Chris Richards, left, and Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus jump for the ball during the English Football League Cup quarter-final soccer match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace in London, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

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9:07 AM on Wednesday, December 24

The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — United States defender Chris Richards said it “won't be long” until he's back for Crystal Palace.

The American was taken off on a stretcher with a nasty cut to his right foot in the second half of Palace’s match against Arsenal in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

“Thanks everybody for the messages, won't be long til I'm back,” Richards wrote on his Instagram account Wednesday.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner didn't have a timetable for when Richards would return.

Palace hosts Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, then welcomes Fulham on New Year’s Day.

“He got a knock on his foot, a stamp on his foot, and it had to be stitched,” Glasner said about Richards after the game against Arsenal. “I don’t know how many stitches, but a few.

“The doctor told me it doesn’t look so bad. I’m always hopeful. We have to be hopeful. I don’t know if he will be OK for the Tottenham game, but I’m still hoping that he will be back against Fulham.”

The 25-year-old Richards has been a regular starter for the U.S. He missed the 2022 World Cup because of a leg injury.

Arsenal beat Palace 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer