The Colombian Football Federation has issued an urgent health update confirming that national team captain James Rodriguez has been hospitalised in the United States. The midfielder is receiving treatment for a severe case of dehydration, which developed after his recent international appearances.
Medical Condition Details and Timeline
Rodriguez, who currently plays for Minnesota United in Major League Soccer, participated in Colombia's 3-1 defeat against France during a World Cup warm-up match in Landover, Maryland. The 34-year-old played for 63 minutes in that fixture, which occurred during the recent international break.
According to official statements, Rodriguez did not exhibit any symptoms until his return to Minneapolis on Monday following the match. The federation has emphasised that his condition is "non-sports-related" and not connected to any previous musculoskeletal injuries or his football activities.
Official Statement and Recovery Progress
The Colombian Football Federation released a detailed statement explaining: "The midfielder has been under professional observation due to a non-sports-related medical condition. The day after the match against France, the player presented with severe dehydration that required hospitalisation for the past 72 hours for preventative and recovery monitoring."
The statement continued: "Fortunately, the current medical report indicates a favourable evolution and a steady improvement. The Colombian National Team's medical staff maintains constant and coordinated communication with Minnesota United FC to closely monitor his progress."
Recent Playing Schedule and Career Context
Rodriguez also featured in Colombia's earlier match during the international break, playing over sixty minutes in a 2-1 loss to Croatia in Orlando, Florida on March 26th. Since joining Minnesota United on a short-term deal earlier this year, the experienced midfielder has made just two substitute appearances for his new club.
The MLS season resumes this weekend with Minnesota United scheduled to face LA Galaxy, though Rodriguez's participation remains uncertain given his current health situation. The Colombian star has experienced a nomadic career trajectory in recent years, having played for several clubs including Real Madrid, Everton, Al-Rayyan in Qatar, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, and Rayo Vallecano before his current stint in America.
Rodriguez originally joined Real Madrid for £63 million in 2014 following his standout performance at that summer's World Cup. The federation concluded their statement by expressing: "From the FCF we wish James a speedy and full recovery" as medical teams continue to monitor his condition closely.
