Chris Richards said he's happy to be back with the U.S. men's national team amid his continuing struggles for playing time at Crystal Palace.

The center back has locked himself into a prominent role with the USMNT in 2023, starting the past six games featuring the national team's first-choice roster.

But things are much different at the club level for the 23-year-old, who has made just three total starts for Palace this year and played less than 400 minutes in all competitions.

Speaking to the media ahead of the USMNT's two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Trinidad and Tobago, Richards admitted that it's been hard to stay sharp mentally while spending so much time on the sidelines.

"At some points it can be challenging to keep focus when you're not playing week-in week-out, and I guess it's even harder keep your form," the Alabama native said. "I think I just use trainings as that way to keep form, even though some days can be tougher than others.

"Especially when you're not playing some days, the training after the game kind of does your head in a little bit. But you have to realize that it's a journey. It's not just what's happening at the end of the week. It's kind of the bigger picture."

Richards is embracing the chance to be the focal point of his side's defense again, with starts in both legs of the USMNT's quarterfinal looking likely.

"I know that when I'm coming here, it's always good to get around these guys, but it's also good to play with them and kind of use that as my outlet," he said. "It keeps me going through the month knowing that hopefully I'll get a game or two with the national team."

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