Crystal Palace player who Patrick Vieira called ‘very strong’ returns to training before Brentford
Crystal Palace return to the Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday (November 1), and Oliver Glasner has received some good news in the build-up.
On Wednesday night, Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup ended a four-match winless run in all competitions, advancing into the quarter-finals to face Arsenal.
The Eagles must now translate their performance against a weakened Liverpool team across to the Premier League, with Brentford travelling to Selhurst Park.
Brentford are buoyed by their 3-2 victory against Liverpool last weekend, as goals from Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Igor Thiago moved them level on points with Palace.
Now, ahead of the clash in South London, Glasner will be pleased that one of his players is fully fit to play after an injury scare.
Chris Richards trains ahead of Brentford clash
On an excellent night for the Eagles at Anfield, defender Chris Richards watched on after picking up a calf injury.
The 25-year-old has been ever-present in the Premier League this term; therefore, Richards being a doubt for Brentford’s visit would have been a huge worry.
Chris Richards has trained today with the Crystal Palace first team ✅@SkySportsNews #CPFC | #FPL
— James Savundra (@JamesSavundra) October 31, 2025
However, Sky Sports reporter James Savundra quelled any worries of him missing the clash after revealing he trained with the Crystal Palace first-team on Friday (October 31).
As a result, the USMNT star should be in line to start alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix in defence, with the trio forming an incredible partnership.
Richards, who was once dubbed ‘really strong’ by former manager Patrick Vieira, has become an integral part of Glasner’s system and someone they can ill-afford to be without.
Richards’ defensive stats key to Crystal Palace’s rise
Football Insider revealed in September that Palace want to give Richards a new contract before the end of the season.
Indeed, agreeing a new deal with the versatile defender would be a great bit of business, especially with Guehi’s contract expiring.
Richards’ defensive stats also explain why they must keep him at Selhurst Park for the long term. As highlighted by FBref, the former Bayern Munich player ranks in the top eight per cent among defenders across Europe for tackles and the top six per cent for blocks.
He’s also proficient in the air, too, placing in the top 19 per cent for aerials won, which highlights his all-round strength as a defender.