Skip work to watch the match, Colombian team tell supporters

COLOMBIANS were today urged to “take the day off work” ahead of the knockout stage clash with England — as both teams sweat over the fitness of star player James Rodriguez.

Defender Cristian Zapata made the call to fans in a video posted on social media last night.

The game will kick off at 1pm Colombia time (7pm in the UK) in the middle of the working day, and a vast proportion of the South American nation’s 45 million population is set to tune in. Zapata said: “On Tuesday no one works, no one works. Everyone supporting our national side.”

It comes as injury concerns continue to dog Colombian talisman Rodriguez, 26, who suffered a muscle injury in last week’s win over Senegal. The Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star, pictured, travelled to Moscow with the rest of the squad yesterday as they settled into the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Team doctor Carlos Ulloa confirmed the injury was not as bad as first thought and that the 2014 World Cup top scorer could play a part tomorrow evening.

“James Rodriguez underwent a scan which showed that he is suffering from minor edema [swelling] in his right leg, but that there has been no muscle tear,” he said.

It comes days after Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said he was “extremely concerned”. If Rodriguez fails a fitness test, it would be a boost to Gareth Southgate’s men.

Colombia are ranked 16th in the world, just four places below England.