Chris Richards began Crystal Palace’s EFL Cup quarterfinal tie in opposition to Arsenal on Tuesday however didn’t end the match on the sector.
Richards was stretched off of the sector within the 74th minute on the Emirates Stadium with an obvious foot damage. The American defender’s sock was coated in blood after an unintended coming along with Gunners ahead Gabriel Jesus.
Richards rose excessive to clear a cross into the Palace field within the seventieth minute earlier than dropping to the bottom. He acquired remedy from the Crystal Palace medical employees for a couple of minutes earlier than being stretchered off and being changed by Will Hughes.
Arsenal would use an eightieth minute personal purpose from Palace’s Maxence Lacroix to seize a late 1-0 lead however the Eagles would equalize in second-half stoppage time by Marc Guehi’s end.
A prolonged penalty shootout went within the Gunners favor although after Lacroix noticed his spot kick denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga within the eighth spherical.
Richards has been a constant performer in Oliver Glasner’s squad this season, logging 24 appearances in all competitions. The U.S. males’s nationwide crew defender helped the Eagles win the FA Cup final Could and the Neighborhood Protect in August whereas additionally advancing to the UEFA Convention League knockout stage.
Glasner offered an replace on Richards’ damage postmatch, hoping that it wouldn’t maintain him out for a protracted time frame.
“He acquired a knock on his foot, a stamp on his foot, and it needed to be stitched,” mentioned Glasner. “I don’t know what number of stitches, however a couple of. The physician instructed me it doesn’t look so dangerous. I’m all the time hopeful. We’ve to be hopeful. I don’t know if he will likely be okay for the Tottenham sport, however I’m nonetheless hoping that he will likely be again in opposition to Fulham.”
The Eagles are already coping with a number of absentees within the roster, together with six accidents and Ismaila Sarr’s absence because of the African Cup of Nations.
Crystal Palace’s busy December schedule continues on the twenty eighth in opposition to Tottenham earlier than kicking off its 2026 with a London Derby in opposition to Fulham on New 12 months’s Day.