Chris Richards Stretchered Off as Medics Cover Up Bizarre Off-The-Ball Injury vs Arsenal

Chris Richards was carried off on a stretcher after suffering what appears to be a nasty foot injury during Tuesday night's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old defender, who is set to represent the United States at next summer's World Cup, went down in the 70th minute following an unusual off-the-ball incident.

As seen in the footage below, Richards attempted to get his head onto a Martin Odegaard cross when he pulled up injured. "He landed awkwardly more than anything else," said ITV commentator Sam Matterface.

A short time later, Crystal Palace's physio team attempted to stem the heavy bleeding from his foot.

Richards was eventually replaced by Will Hughes after being carried off on a stretcher. "I'm unsure," said co-commentator Lee Dixon as footage of the incident was replayed. Matterface added: "Someone landed on his toe? That could be a possibility."

After the game went to penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time, Richards could be seen watching Tuesday night's shoot-out on crutches.

The injury could potentially be a huge blow for both Crystal Palace and the United States national team.

Richards has been a regular for Oliver Glasner's side this season. In total, he has made 24 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, which includes 17 starts in the Premier League.

If the injury is a serious one, it would also be a blow to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially after Tyler Adams was ruled out for two to three months following a MCL tear in Bournemouth's clash against Manchester United.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Richards' injury.

One said: "Crystal Palace CB Chris Richards got stretchered off. The injury is a huge blow for Palace and could also be a huge blow for the USMNT in their hopes at gold at the 2026 WC. Wishing a speedy recovery for the American."

A second wrote: "Hopefully thy make it back and are in form in time, but Tyler Adams and now Chris Richards both getting hurt this close to the World Cup is definitely concerning."

A third commented: "Anyone see what happened to Chris Richards? Thought he stumbled but where'd the blood come from?" and a fourth added: "Speedy recovery Chris Richards. Hope it's not as bad as it looked."

Arsenal booked their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-final with a penalty shoot-out win over Palace. They will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg on January 14, before hosting Enzo Maresca's side in the second leg on February 3.