IRVINE, United States, June 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US center-back Chris Richards returned to full training on Monday, in a boost for the World Cup co-hosts after a string of defensive errors during his absence in pre-tournament friendlies.

Crystal Palace center-back Richards has 36 US caps and, if fit, is expected to be coach Mauricio Pochettino's first-choice at the heart of defense alongside captain Tim Ream.

But after Richards picked up an ankle injury last month, Pochettino had expressed frustration over the slow timeline for his recovery, even hinting the player could be replaced in the squad last-minute on injury grounds.

"We will see. Today, first time with the team. It's good to have nearly everyone ready to be selected for the game," said Pochettino, at an open training session at the team's World Cup base in Irvine, California.

Four days before the United States' opener with Paraguay, the light session was Richards' first time integrated with the squad since the March internationals window.

Ream and Miles Robinson were at fault for conceding a sloppy opener from a free-kick in Saturday's 2-1 friendly loss to Germany, while the US had shipped two goals to Senegal the previous weekend with Mark McKenzie alongside Ream.

Antonee Robinson, who scored against Germany but was substituted with muscle cramps, also participated in Monday's training, held in front of 5,500 fans.

The only absentee was defensive midfielder Tyler Adams, who briefly greeted teammates and fans on the pitch before heading to the gym, in a precaution described by team officials as "load management."

The Bournemouth player, who captained the US at the 2022 World Cup and is expected to be another key player this time, had suffered a quadriceps injury late in the Premier League campaign.