Former Everton and Real Madrid star was rushed to hospital with severe dehydration during Colombia's World Cup warm-up match against France
James Rodriguez was hospitalised during a World Cup warm-up match for Colombia.
James Rodriguez was hospitalised during a World Cup warm-up match for Colombia.(Image: PA)
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Minnesota United have moved to quash speculation that James Rodriguez is suffering from a potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting illness following his hospitalisation during the recent international break. The former Everton and Real Madrid ace was rushed to hospital after Colombia's World Cup warm-up on American soil.
The 34-year-old spent three days receiving treatment, with a statement from the Colombian football federation confirming he displayed signs of severe dehydration during their 3-1 defeat to France. It was James' second outing of the break, having previously featured against Croatia, but he was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark in sweltering temperatures of 26 degrees.
Online speculation quickly spiralled, with claims emerging that he was battling rhabdomyolysis, a rare disorder that causes muscles to break down and can potentially trigger fatal kidney failure.However, the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit were quick to shut down the rumours.
In an official statement, they said: "The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis. We respectfully ask members of the media and the public to refrain from further speculation regarding James' health.
"Any additional updates will be communicated directly by the club through official channels. "His reintegration into full team training will follow the protocols established by the club's medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress."
The Colombian international has featured in just a handful of matches during the domestic American campaign and was absent from their 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy on Sunday.
The Colombian federation released a statement following the international break: "It has been confirmed, after establishing communication with a medical center 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 hospitalization for the past 72 hours for preventative and recovery monitoring."
Minnesota United have moved to quash speculation that James Rodriguez is suffering from a potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting illness
Minnesota have moved to quash speculation that James Rodriguez is suffering from a potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting illness
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Rodriguez burst onto the world stage during an impressive World Cup campaign for Colombia at Brazil in 2014. His stunning volley against Uruguay garnered worldwide acclaim, attention from European heavyweights - securing a move to Real Madrid soon afterwards - and ultimately the Puskas Award.
However, the concerning episode in the US raises alarm bells ahead of this summer's tournament, which will take place throughout North America during periods of intense, scorching temperatures.
Minnesota boss Cameron Knowles said: "He's day-to-day under our medical team, he's home now and resting. We've been away for a couple of days, our medical team are in constant contact with him, evaluating him, we'll start to integrate him as he sees fit." James will be eager to make a swift comeback, with Minnesota embroiled in a battle for a place in the MLS Western Division Championship playoffs.
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