Physical discomfort forced the coaching staff to disaffect James Rodríguez from the call-up of the Colombian National Team for the Qualifying matches against Peru and Argentina and the next Copa América.
Less than a week before the start of the commitments of the qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup, the national team lost the midfielder. This Friday, first thing in the morning, the Colombian Football Federation reported that he will not be part of the team after the medical check-ups to which he was subjected. «The coaching staff of the Colombia Men’s Senior National Team informs that the player James Rodríguez has been called off for the games against Peru and Argentina for the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the CONMEBOL Copa América 2021».
«In recent days, the midfielder underwent medical examinations, which determined that he is not at the optimal level of competition, for which he will not be able to join the group summoned by coach Reinaldo Rueda for the aforementioned commitments and the championship. South American,” the statement explained.
The 10 of the National Team did not play the last two games with Everton in the Premier League. This is the second loss for Reinaldo Rueda in his first call. The previous Tuesday, Juan Fernando Quintero left due to the protocols that China requires for those who leave the country. Colombia will visit Peru on June 3 in Lima and will host Argentina on June 8 in Barranquilla.