Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards during match against Brighton _(Image: Keith Gillard)_
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has thanked United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino for excusing Chris Richards from international duty this month.
Richards was not called up to the United States squad to face Paraguay and Uruguay to allow him to recover from a persisting calf problem.
The 25-year-old has featured in all four of the US national team’s matches this season and has played 16 of Palace’s 19 matches. He missed the Eagles’ trip to Liverpool earlier this month due to a calf injury.
Palace and the USMNT agreed it would be best for him to take a week off to recover, especially with Palace set to play 11 matches in six weeks to close out the year.
“Thank you to the USA and Mauricio Pochettino, because they also want him in his best shape for the World Cup rather than in November,” said Glasner.
“Chris has been struggling with his calf since the first international break in September and needs his rest.
“I don't want to talk about the details. I said something, Mauricio said something and it's good. When everybody wants the best for the players, you always find a good solution.
“I want all our players playing for their country, because then everyone is proud, the player, his family and of course Crystal Palace.
“I don't know if Palace have ever had so many international players like now, but it's also a huge honour for us.
“On the other side, we want them performing on a top level, not just for one month or two months, but the important phase of the season.
“There are many games coming up for us. Then in spring, the USA have their most important phase of the season with the World Cup in their country.”