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 against Paraguay.

“I’m ready,” Richards said at practice Wednesday. “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.”

If Richards is ready, it’s a foregone conclusion that he’ll not only play but start against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

The centerback’s status had been Team USA’s biggest worry, but he straightened that question mark into an exclamation point by declaring himself ready to go.

The centerback’s status had been Team USA’s biggest worry, but he straightened that question mark into an exclamation point by declaring himself ready for the opener.

After suffering an ankle injury May 17 while playing with England’s Crystal Palace, Richards’ status had been very much in doubt.

“After the game my ankle was huge,” said Richards. “I came off in a boot and crutches.”

For the 26-year-old, it had to be a recurring nightmare. He was robbed of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by a severe hamstring injury, and was now — playing the best soccer of his career, and a nailed-down starter — dealing with a feeling of déjà vu.

“Honestly, I was fearing the worst,” Richards acknowledged. “Once I got the diagnosis I was like, ‘Alright, how do I get ready for the game against Paraguay?’ That’s what I’ve been doing 24 hours a day; recovery, whatever it takes to be available for the first game.”

Richards was sidelined for the final two pre-World Cup friendlies — a 3-2 victory over Senegal and a 2-1 loss to Germany. His presence was missed in each.

“Chris is one of the most important players on the team, but my best friend as well,” winger Tim Weah said. “Seeing him healthy and playing is everything.”

And possibly the difference between an early exit or a deep run.

With manager Mauricio Pochettino giving wingbacks Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson leeway — orders? — to push forward aggressively, it puts a significant defensive burden on the centerbacks. Miles Robinson stood in for Richards and was partly culpable in goals conceded against both Senegal and Germany.

In the second minute against the latter at Soldier Field, Robinson lost coverage on Kai Havertz and gave up an uncontested early header.

But Richards had returned to doing on-field work in Chicago, albeit limited to individual training. And he resumed full participation in practice Monday, training 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 2-3 weeks. I think we’re on schedule.”

Asked 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 in the opener jeopardizing his availability for the second group stage tilt June 19 vs. 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 the hope is to deliver a World Cup for America’s 250th birthday July 4.

“That’s the plan,” said Richards, adding 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 with three points, not just for our confidence but also to show the group that we can be top dogs in this group and top dogs in this World Cup. So I think with a statement hopefully on Friday and three points, it’ll set the tone for this World Cup.”