Everton’s James Rodriguez left out of Colombia’s Copa America squad

James Rodriguez-Colombia
James Rodriguez-Colombia

Everton midfielder James Rodriguez has been left out of the Colombia squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America in Argentina.

The decision was announced on Friday, and it has come as a major surprise to the player.

Apparently, the player is not quite up to the expected physical level. There have been reports that the player wanted a few days off in order to complete his recovery and then join up with his international teammates after the first game against Peru.

However, Reinaldo Rueda was not willing to go ahead with the idea, and he decided to drop the Colombian from the squad.

The midfielder has missed Everton’s final two matches of the season with a calf problem, and he was seen flying out to Colombia on the final day of the season in jovial spirits expecting to join up with his national team and prepare for the premier South American competition this summer.

The Everton star is now thought to be extremely disappointed with the decision, and he has sent out a message on social media.

Meanwhile, his club and international teammate Yerry Mina has been training with the Colombian squad despite having similar injury problems with Everton.

statement from the Colombian national team reads: “The coaching staff of the Colombia Men’s Senior Team reports 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 was subjected to medical examinations, which determined that he is not at the optimal level of competition; therefore, he will not be able to join the group called by Reinaldo Rueda for the aforementioned commitments and the South American championship.

“The coach and his team of collaborators regret not being able to count on James Rodríguez this time and hope that soon the midfielder will be able to be part of a call, representing our country with the height and professionalism as he has always done.”

Colombian Squad for Copa America

Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Aldair Quintana 

Defenders: Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Stefan Medina, Oscar Murillo, William Tesillo, Carlos Cuesta, Daniel Munoz

Midfielders: Juan Cuadrado, Edwin Cardona, Wilmar Barrios, Jefferson Lerma, Sebastián Pérez, Gustavo Cuéllar, Yairo Moreno, Baldomero Perlaza 

Forwards: Luis Muriel, Duvan Zapata, Luis Diaz, Miguel Borja, Alfredo Morelos,Rafael Santos Borre