USA defense weakened: Robinson and Richards, out against Belgium and Portugal

Marietta, Ga. – Miles Robinson will miss the United States friendlies against Belgium and Portugal due to a groin injury. Chris Richards, for his part, is likely to be absent from both matches due to a knee problem, leaving the American central defense with few options in the last two games before coach Mauricio Pochettino announces the list for the World Cup. Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty are the only center-backs available for Saturday’s match against Belgium.

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Full-back Joe Scally and defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann are also options at center-back, according to Pochettino, who has used a formation with three center-backs since September. Robinson injured his groin during Tuesday’s training, according to Pochettino.

Richards played until the 75th minute in Crystal Palace’s Europa Conference League match against AEK Larnaca on March 19. He will definitely not play on Saturday and will probably not be available on Tuesday.

“The club gave permission to come to America and reported some problems in his knee. After evaluating him, he was training part of Tuesday’s training, but he couldn’t finish on Wednesday and now he feels something in his knee.

Mauricio Pochettino

“We hope it’s nothing important, but it’s out for tomorrow and I don’t think it can arrive on Tuesday.” Pochettino said that dealing now with the changes caused by injuries could benefit the team during the World Cup.

“We need to see all the options we can have because circumstances can happen,” he said.

Mauricio Pochettino