After a week of uncertainty that kept both Colombian fans and MLS followers on edge, Minnesota United have broken their silence. James Rodriguez, the club’s star player and captain of the Colombian national team, has returned to the Loons’ training facilities, putting an end to a series of alarmist speculation about his fitness.
The end of the rumors: There is no rhabdomyolysis
The club was blunt in its official statement. In response to reports circulating on social media and some media outlets suggesting that the midfielder was suffering from rhabdomyolysis — a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that can compromise kidney function — Minnesota United’s medical team was adamant:
“Both the club and our medical professionals can categorically state that there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”
With this statement, the team seeks to protect the player’s privacy and mitigate the media “noise” surrounding his hospitalization on March 31, following the international friendly between Colombia and France.
Chronology of a recovery under scrutiny
James’ process has been followed minute by minute. Here is a breakdown of the events that led to his brief absence:
- March 29: James plays the friendly against France. At the end of the match, he begins to show symptoms of severe dehydration.
- March 31: Due to the persistence of symptoms, he was admitted to a hospital for intravenous therapy and constant monitoring.
- April 2: He was discharged from hospital after showing favourable progress and was transferred home to continue his recovery.
- April 4: He missed the match against LA Galaxy, where his team won (2-1), but the coaching staff preferred not to risk him.
- April 6: He officially presents himself at the training complex for his first supervised reintegration session.
The return plan: Step by step
Although James is already back at the club, his return to the pitch will not be immediate. Minnesota United has designed a progressive reintegration protocol.
The Colombian is currently doing differentiated and low-intensity work under the supervision of the medical department. The aim is to assess his cardiovascular and muscular response before allowing him to join the high-intensity group practices led by coach Cameron Knowles.
Next target: San Diego FC
All eyes are on the MLS calendar. Minnesota United will face San Diego FC on Saturday, April 11. If James evolves positively in the next 48 to 72 hours, he could be included in the squad, although he is likely to start from the bench to avoid a physical relapse.
Calm for the Colombian national team
This news not only makes Minnesota happy, but also the coaching staff of the Colombian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It has been confirmed that the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has been in direct contact with the American doctors, validating that the treatment received was adequate for dehydration due to overexertion and ruling out any chronic injury or degenerative disease.
James Rodriguez is back, and with the club clearing up rumors of seriousness, football is once again the only protagonist in the career of the talented left-footed midfielder.