Change of course: Bayern Munich loanee Chris Richards released to United States camp

After some back-and-forth, Bayern Munich loanee Chris Richards will leave Hoffenheim to take part in the United States men’s national team camp as it prepares to face Northern Ireland on Sunday.

Richards, who is currently playing for Hoffenheim while on loan, however, is not the only young American in the Bundesliga heading to square off with Northern Ireland. Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Werder Bremen’s Josh Sargent were also released:

The status of all three Bundesliga players was at least somewhat in doubt due to Germany’s strict COVID-19 regulations:

Defender Chris Richards along with forwards Gio Reyna and Josh Sargent will be allowed to travel to face Northern Ireland after previously only being on the roster for the match against Jamaica.

These updates are all the result of the updated quarantine protocols in their respective areas.

A total of 26 players are gathering in Austria ahead of the match against Jamaica on March 25 at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Kickoff in the rematch of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinal is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2, UniMás and TUDN.

Three days later, the U.S. meets Northern Ireland for the first time in more than 70 years. The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast hosts the contest, set for 12 p.m. ET with coverage on FOX, UniMás and TUDN.

Richards will be part of a 10-man defensive group in the camp.