An injury scare involving Chris Richards has raised concern just weeks before the United States men's national team opens its World Cup campaign, after the defender limped off following Crystal Palace's 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Richards, 26, was forced to leave the pitch at the final whistle in west London after twisting his ankle during a late collision with Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Although he played through the rest of the match, he required assistance and was seen leaving without his left boot.

According to Yahoo, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner moved quickly to calm fears, saying the injury may not be as serious as first thought.

"He twisted his ankle. I think he got Thiago landing on his ankle and then it twisted," Glasner said. "It's quite swollen, so we have to assess it further, but hopefully he can return in the midweek."

Chris Richards Could Miss Key Matches

The update offers some relief for both club and country, as Richards has become a key figure for Palace and the United States men's national team. He has made 49 appearances this season across all competitions and has logged more than 4,000 minutes, ranking among the most-used defenders in Europe's top leagues, CBS Sports reported.

The timing of the injury is especially important. Crystal Palace are preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27, and Richards was expected to play a major role in that match if fit.

For the United States, the concern is even greater. Richards is viewed as a cornerstone of the defensive line heading into the World Cup opener on June 13 against Paraguay. He has earned 36 international caps and is widely considered a locked-in starter for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite the scare, early indications suggest the injury could be short-term. Glasner's comments hint that Richards may only miss a few days, depending on swelling and recovery progress.

Richards' absence, even briefly, would be a major worry for both teams given his consistency and durability this season. He has been one of Palace's most reliable defenders and a steady presence in the USMNT back line during a crucial buildup to a home World Cup.