James Rodriguez's club denies "rumor"

Colombia national team captain James Rodriguez returned to training with his American soccer team, Minnesota United, while the latter denied rumors of a serious illness.

Rodriguez (34 years old) was hospitalized for three days due to suffering from “severe dehydration,” two days after he participated with his country in a friendly match against France on March 29, before he returned to his home under medical supervision.

The former striker for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton, England, participated in the World Cup preparatory match that was held in Landover, Maryland, and Colombia lost 3-1.

Rodriguez was replaced after 63 minutes, after he seemed slow and disconnected from the atmosphere of the match.

The playmaker returned to training, and will be gradually integrated into the team’s training “according to the development of his health condition,” according to a statement issued by Minnesota United.

Several local media outlets reported that the Colombian national team captain, who still plays a pivotal role in its ranks, suffers from rhabdomyolysis, a rapid and severe muscle disease that may be fatal.

The club strongly denied these reports, stressing that there was “no medical evidence” that he had this disease, and stated in a statement: “The club attaches the utmost importance to the health and privacy of its players,” adding: “The club and its doctors categorically confirm that there is no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”

Minnesota stated that Rodriguez was recovering at home after being released from the hospital last week, before returning to training yesterday, Monday, where he participated in a training session under medical supervision, and concluded in its statement: “He will be reintegrated into the team’s group training in accordance with the protocols set by the club’s medical department, and it will depend entirely on the development of his health condition.”

Rodriguez, the 2014 World Cup top scorer, played only 39 minutes this year with Minnesota United, which he joined in February, due to injuries.