USMNT Injury News: Robinson and Richards Sidelined for Belgium and Portugal Ties

Miles Robinson will miss the United States' friendlies against Belgium and Portugal due to a groin injury sustained during Tuesday's training session.

Miles Robinson and Chris Richards will be unavailable for the United States' upcoming friendly against Belgium this Saturday, leaving head coach Mauricio Pochettino with only three natural central defenders. Robinson is confirmed to miss both the Belgium clash and the subsequent match against Portugal due to a groin injury sustained during a training session on Tuesday. Richards, who is managing a knee problem, is officially ruled out for Saturday and is considered unlikely to recover in time for the Tuesday fixture. These absences leave Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty as the primary options to anchor the American defense.

Chris Richards arrived at the national team camp after playing 75 minutes for Crystal Palace in their Europa Conference League fixture against AEK Larnaca on March 19. Upon reporting to the U.S. squad, the defender disclosed existing discomfort in his knee. Although he participated in portions of the training schedule on Tuesday, he was unable to complete the Wednesday session. Pochettino noted that while the medical staff hopes the issue is not significant, the timeline for a return before the second friendly remains doubtful. The manager emphasized that the club gave permission for the player to travel to America despite the reported knee issues.

Tactical Adjustments and Defensive Depth

With the 2026 World Cup kickoff just 100 days away, the U.S. coaching staff is forced to evaluate alternative personnel in the central defensive roles. Mauricio Pochettino has consistently utilized a three-central defender formation since September, a system that requires significant depth. To compensate for the loss of Robinson and Richards, the manager identified outside back Joe Scally and defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann as viable candidates to slide into the center of the backline. This internal reshuffling comes at a critical juncture as Pochettino prepares to finalize his roster for the World Cup opener against Paraguay.

The current shortage of specialized center-backs means Ream, McKenzie, and Trusty must carry the workload for the Saturday match in Marietta, Ga. Pochettino stated on Friday that navigating these injury-induced switches provides a necessary test for the squad's adaptability. He suggested that facing these circumstances now could benefit the group during the World Cup tournament, where similar roster constraints might occur. The staff is prioritizing a comprehensive look at all available options to ensure the team can maintain its tactical structure despite personnel losses.

Preparation for the 2026 World Cup Roster

These two matches represent the final opportunities for players to secure their positions before the official World Cup roster announcement. The United States is scheduled to face Paraguay in their opening clash of the 2026 tournament, and the current friendlies against European opposition like Belgium and Portugal serve as the primary evaluation period. Christian Pulisic has acknowledged the mounting pressure associated with the upcoming home World Cup but expressed confidence in his ability to manage expectations. Meanwhile, Giovanni Reyna indicated he felt fortunate to receive his call-up for the March window as the team builds toward the summer.

The absence of Robinson is particularly impactful given the timing of his injury during the Tuesday practice. As a regular fixture in the defensive rotation, his inability to participate in the final two preparation matches limits Pochettino’s ability to refine the three-man defensive unit. The medical assessment of Richards remains ongoing, but the transition from his 75-minute shift in European competition to the national team training ground has been hampered by his inability to finish the midweek sessions. The coaching staff remains focused on the depth of the USMNT and whether that depth can make a tangible difference when the tournament begins in 100 days.

Roster Implications and Player Status

Mauricio Pochettino’s reliance on a specific tactical setup since September highlights the importance of having versatile players like Scally and Tessmann who can occupy multiple zones. The manager’s comments on Friday underscored a "next man up" philosophy, viewing the unavailability of Richards and Robinson as an opportunity to test the resilience of the defensive line. While the knee problem for Richards is not currently viewed as a long-term threat, his absence from the pitch on Saturday is a definitive blow to the team's continuity.

The United States squad continues to monitor the fitness of all remaining players as they transition from the Marietta training base to the matchday environment. With the Belgium game serving as the immediate priority, the available trio of Ream, McKenzie, and Trusty will likely form the core of the defensive efforts. The team’s ability to execute Pochettino’s preferred three-at-the-back system will be under scrutiny as they face high-level international competition without two of their most experienced central options.