Colombia’s standout player, James Rodríguez, has been hospitalized in Minnesota due to severe dehydration sustained after a friendly match against France on Sunday, as reported by the Colombian Football Federation on Thursday.
Rodríguez, who signed a short-term contract with Minnesota United earlier this year, played 63 minutes during Colombia’s 3-1 defeat to France in a World Cup warm-up game held in Landover, Maryland.
The federation stated that he didn’t experience symptoms until he returned to Minneapolis on Monday.
“After communicating with a medical facility in Minnesota, it has been confirmed that the midfielder is currently under professional care due to a non-sports-related medical issue,” the federation explained in a statement.
“The day following the match against France, the player exhibited severe dehydration, necessitating a 72-hour hospitalization for preventive monitoring and recovery.”
Rodríguez, 34, checked into the hospital upon returning to Minnesota from his international obligation, accompanied by the Minnesota United medical team to oversee tests and evaluations. He is now resting at home as he recovers from the incident.
The federation later clarified that this condition is unrelated to previous injuries.
“It’s essential to clarify that this situation does not involve any musculoskeletal injuries and is not connected to his football activities,” the statement added.
“Fortunately, the latest medical report indicates a positive trend and steady improvement.”
Previously, Rodríguez played 63 minutes in Colombia’s first match of the March international window, which ended in a 2-1 loss to Croatia in Orlando, Florida, on March 26.
The former Real Madrid winger has made two substitute appearances for Minnesota this season. Minnesota’s next match is against the LA Galaxy on Saturday.