Rodriguez still a doubt for Colombia
James Rodriguez, Colombia’s attacking talisman, will be given until the last possible moment to prove he is fit to face England, but time appears to be running out.
Rodriguez suffered a calf injury during Los Cafeteros’ final group game against Senegal and has yet to return to full training ahead of the last16 clash in Moscow.
The 26-year-old won the Golden Boot at the 2014 tournament, but as his team-mates made their final preparations for the knockout clash with England, he was left on the sidelines going through a light stretching routine and talking to medical staff.
For a player of lesser stature or importance to the side, that might have been enough to rule him out of action. For Rodriguez, it merely lessened the odds.
“We have had good news after his medical tests,” said manager Jose Pekerman at his pre-match press conference yesterday. “After his MRI we know he doesn’t have a serious injury. We still have one and a half days to see how he feels and, as always, we hope he will be able to play for the following games.”
Pressed for further details, the Argentine coach said only: “You will know my team one hour before kick-off.”
Should the Real Madrid forward be restricted to bench duties, Sevilla’s Luis Muriel is his likely replacement, but the burden of responsibility is likely to lay even heavier on the shoulders of Radamel Falcao.
Falcao is not just Colombia’s record scorer but a player with a prolific CV at both Atletico Madrid and Monaco. He enjoyed a brief and largely unremarkable spell in English football, failing to live up to his feared reputation on the continent during lacklustre loan spells with both Manchester United and Chelsea.
“It is true I didn’t shine as I wanted to but that is part of the past,” said the 32-year-old, who netted just five times in two seasons with the Premier League sides. “I can only say it is beautiful to be here to play against England. It is normal for people in England to think they’re favourites, but we want to concentrate on the weapons and skills we have.”