After being released from the Colombian squad due to injury, James Rodriguez will miss the Copa America and World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina.
Colombia has been placed in Group B of the Copa America 2020/21 tournament, alongside defending champions Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.
Reinaldo Rueda’s men face Peru and Argentina in the CONMEBOL section of World Cup qualifying before the opening match of this summer’s South American regional tournament on June 15.
Colombia will be without their main creative force, as the former Real Madrid star has been ruled unfit to compete in those matches.
“The coaching staff of the Colombia men’s senior team reports that the player James Rodriguez has been ruled out for the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 against Peru and Argentina,” the Colombian FA said in a statement.
“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 this time and hope that soon the midfielder will be able to be part of a squad, representing our country with the height and professionalism as he has always done.”