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.
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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.
Topics: Crystal Palace, Arsenal, EFL Cup
Jack Kenmare