USMNT defender Chris Richards declares himself ready for World Cup opener: Time to sacrifice

IRVINE, Calif.— Chris Richards gave Team USA a huge lift heading into the World Cup, when the injured defender pronounced himself fit for Friday’s opener.“I’m ready,” Richards said at Wednesday’s practice.

“I’m ready.It’s a World Cup, so I was going to make myself ready regardless.

I’m feeling good.Maybe a little swollen but nothing (too bad).“If there’s any time to sacrifice yourself, it’s now.

I know I’m able to play Friday; but I don’t make those decisions.”Richards’ status was Team USA’s biggest worry heading into this World Cup, but he straightened that question mark into an exclamation point by declaring himself ready to face Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium.After suffering an ankle injury on May 17 while playing with England’s Crystal Palace, his stuats had been up in the air.Richards had missed both pre-World Cup tuneup friendlies — the victory over Senegal and close loss to Germany — before returning as a full participant in training Monday.He practiced again Tuesday and Wednesday.“It took about as long as I expected honestly,” Richards said.“Initial diagnosis was day-to-day but, for me, I was aiming for two-to-three weeks.

I think we’re on schedule.”Asked by The Post if the training staff had put him on any minutes limits Friday, Richards said he was not.“They haven’t told me anything.If I make myself available, they can trust me to play at 100 percent and that’s exactly what I want,” said Richards, who wasn’t worried about suiting up on Friday jeopardizing his availability for the second group stage tilt on June 19 against Australia.“If I’m able to start on Friday, it’s not going to put the rest of my tournament in jeopardy.”As the hosts, Richards said Team USA hopes to deliver a World Cup for the country’s 250th birthday on July 4.

He added that getting off to a hot start and earning the full three points Friday would be key toward that end.“If we can start off the World Cup...