USMNT star Chris Richards reveals timeline to return from 'frustrating' injury for Crystal Palace

The U.S. international, who had played in 16-straight matches for The Eagles prior to his knee injury, is finally set to return to the pitch. The central defender and Oliver Glasner's side are targeting a return against West Ham United this weekend.

“I think frustrating would be a good word for it,” Richards said ahead of their Liverpool match last weekend.

“I feel like I worked hard over the last two seasons that I’ve been here and I think I was finally reaping the benefit of that. It’s always nice playing games.

“I have a knee injury. Hopefully, what we’re aiming for is West Ham. I’m just kind of taking it day by day, hoping that it continues to heal and that’s what I’m aiming for, at least, is the West Ham game.”

Palace pulled off a shocking 1-0 victory last weekend at Anfield without Richards available, but in the two matches prior, they fell to Bournemouth and Manchester City. During his 16-match run with the Eagles, they pulled off a result in nine of the matches, keeping two clean sheets.

With his potential return at the weekend now on the cards, the Eagles could receive a massive defensive boost.

The Eagles take on West Ham Saturday in a Premier League clash. The South London club will hope to pull off a result for the second-straight week as they look to end their campaign on a high note.