Rodriguez could play vs. England
MOSCOW — James Rodriguez “doesn’t have a serious injury,” and that is good news for Colombia.
The attacking midfielder, who was substituted with a calf muscle problem during last week’s 1-0 World Cup victory over
Senegal, has undergone medical scans and could play Tuesday against England in the round of 16.
“After his MRI we knew that he doesn’t have a serious injury,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said Monday. “So we still have one and a half days to see how he feels.”
If Rodriguez can’t play, Pekerman said forward Luis Muriel will step in — as he did against Senegal.
“He’s able to change the pace. He’s technically gifted. He’s really fast and can play well with teammates,” Pekerman said of the Sevilla forward. “He brings many skills to the pitch, so of course we take him into account and we think he will be able to co-ordinate well if he has to play.”
The team has previously said a swelling was found in Rodriguez’s calf muscle.
While England was able to rest eight players for its last group game against Belgium, Colombia had to fight to the last minute to get past Senegal after losing its opening match to Japan. That gives the team the momentum England lacks, Pekerman said.
Pekerman said this year’s World Cup has shown the resurgence of centre back Yerry Mina, who is back in the kind of form he showed in South America before moving to Spain.