US center-back Chris Richards said he is ready to face Paraguay after recovering from an ankle injury scare at the end of the Premier League campaign

The injury status for a few core U.S. players will be watched closely ahead of Friday's World Cup opener vs. Paraguay

The central defender is seen as one of the squad's most influential players and his updated status is a major positive

US center-back Chris Richards said he is ready to face Paraguay after recovering from an ankle injury scare at the end of the Premier League campaign

United States center back Chris Richards will be clear to play without a minutes restriction for the USMNT's World Cup-opening match against Paraguay on Friday.

Chris Richards has not played in a game since tearing two ligaments in his left ankle May 17. Will he play the USMNT's World Cup opener?