Bogotá (AFP) – Colombian soccer captain James Rodriguez was hospitalized for three days with severe dehydration following a friendly match against France, Colombia’s soccer federation said Thursday. The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Everton attacker featured in Sunday’s World Cup warm-up match in Landover, Maryland, which Colombia lost 3-1. Rodriguez was substituted off after 63 minutes, having appeared sluggish and disconnected from the game.
He “presented symptoms of severe dehydration that required his hospitalization over the past 72 hours,” said the federation. Rodriguez was taken to hospital in Minnesota, where he plays for Major League Soccer side Minnesota United, “for preventive clinical monitoring and recovery.” Minnesota United confirmed Rodriguez is recovering, telling AFP that his status for this weekend’s clash with LA Galaxy will be updated on Friday.
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Rodriguez joined the MLS side in February but has played just 39 minutes so far due to injury. The federation statement said his hospitalization was not related to those injuries. His physical fitness remains uncertain ahead of Colombia’s World Cup campaign this summer, when they will face Uzbekistan, DR Congo, and Portugal in Group K.
Rodriguez was the top scorer in the 2014 World Cup, joining Real Madrid soon after. He continues to play a pivotal role in the Colombia side. Head coach Nestor Lorenzo has fielded criticism for starting Rodriguez against France and a previous friendly versus Croatia despite his lack of match fitness.
© 2024 AFP
