With just 69 days to go until the 2026 World Cup, those who follow Colombia will be concerned to learn that key player James Rodriguez was recently rushed to hospital. The former Real Madrid star spent 72 hours under 'professional observation'.
Colombia are in Group K this summer, as they will come up against Uzbekistan, DR Congo, and Portugal with high hopes of progressing into the knockout stages. They didn't qualify for Qatar 2022, but made the round of 16 in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2014.
Rodriguez, who now plays for Minnesota United, really announced himself as a superstar at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, winning the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer, with six goals in five matches. Now 34, he'll hope to make a big impact again, this time in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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James Rodriguez Colombia
In preparation for the tournament, Colombia recently took on Croatia and France in the United States. Rodriguez played 63 minutes in each game, as his team were beaten 2-1 and then 3-1.
The midfielder had to deal with 26-degree heat against France, although it remains unclear if this played any significant part in his hospitalisation. In a full statement, the Colombian Football Federation explained he had been showing signs of severe dehydration:
"The Colombian Football Federation, through its medical staff and the National Teams Directorate, wishes to inform the public and media about the health status of the captain of the Colombian National Team: James Rodríguez.
"It has been confirmed, after establishing communication with a medical centre in the State of Minnesota, that the midfielder has been under professional observation due to a non-sports-related medical condition.
"The day after the match against France, the player presented with severe dehydration that required hospitalisation for the past 72 hours for preventative and recovery monitoring. It is important to clarify that this situation is not related to musculoskeletal injuries nor is it linked to the development of his football activities.
"Fortunately, the current medical report indicates a favourable evolution and a steady improvement. The Colombian National Team's medical staff maintains constant and coordinated communication with Minnesota United FC to closely monitor his progress.
"From the FCF we wish James a speedy and full recovery."
James Rodriguez Now Expected To Miss Minnesota vs LA Galaxy
James Rodriguez in action for Colombia.
James Rodriguez in action for Colombia.
Rodriguez is best known in Europe for spells at Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton. He's been with MLS club Minnesota United since February, joining from Liga MX club Leon after a year in Mexico. He has only played twice for Minnesota since arriving, however, for a total of 39 minutes.
The club's medical staff will now coordinate with the national team to manage the veteran's workload. As per Goal, though, he is expected to miss Sunday's MLS match against LA Galaxy.
Having sealed Colombia's return to the World Cup Finals, the 34-year-old recently expressed his delight, noting that it is “a positive thing” for his nation that the tournament is being staged in North America, “because whenever we play here, the stadiums are brimming with waves of yellow”.
He went on to add that the event will be “huge” for all three host countries, before saying: “It’s going to be wonderful for everyone and a brilliant spectacle. Hopefully, the fans will make plenty of noise, enjoy themselves and really savour the World Cup experience, because it only comes around every four years.”