Richards, Robinson Both Out

Both Center Backs to Miss the Belgium Match, Causing Some Lineup Issues

The USMNT heads into Saturday's friendly against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium already undermanned at center back, with both Chris Richards and Miles Robinson ruled out of the contest due to injury.

Robinson, the FC Cincinnati defender, suffered a groin injury during training earlier this week and has been ruled out of both the Belgium match and Tuesday's follow-up friendly against Portugal. The 29-year-old is in the mix for a starting spot at right center back in Mauricio Pochettino's three-back system—a position that carries enormous importance with the World Cup roster announcement on the horizon.

Richards' situation is somewhat more complicated. The Crystal Palace defender played 75 minutes in his club's Europa Conference League match in Larnaca on March 19, but began experiencing knee discomfort after reporting to camp. He was able to participate in portions of training earlier this week before being unable to finish a session on Wednesday. Pochettino confirmed Richards is out for Saturday and expressed doubt he would be available for Tuesday's Portugal match either.

"We hope that it is nothing important," Pochettino said of Richards, "but for tomorrow he is out, and I don't believe that he can arrive Tuesday."

The absences put significant pressure on the remaining center back options. Tim Ream, who has served as captain for much of the past year, is expected to slot in at left center back, with Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty the most natural partners. Pochettino also floated Joe Scally and Tanner Tessmann—neither a conventional center back—as possible options on the right side of the backline.

Pochettino acknowledged the disruption, but framed it as valuable preparation for the unexpected challenges a World Cup run can bring.