Minnesota United have firmly rejected speculation that Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez is battling a serious muscle-wasting illness after a recent spell in hospital.
James Rodriguez returned to the club’s training base on Monday following several days under medical care.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Concerns first emerged when the 34-year-old showed signs of illness during Colombia’s 3-1 defeat to France on 29 March. He was later admitted to the hospital, where he was treated for severe dehydration and kept under observation for three days.
Earlier, the Colombian Football Federation confirmed he was being monitored for a “non-sports-related medical condition” and said his outlook was “favourable”.
Rumours circulating online and in parts of the US media suggested the midfielder could be suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition linked to extreme physical exertion that can damage the kidneys. Those claims were swiftly dismissed by the MLS side.
A club statement read: “The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”
Rodriguez took part in what the club described as a supervised return-to-activity session, with his full comeback set to be managed carefully by medical staff. Minnesota United have indicated there is no fixed timeline for his return to full training.
The former Real Madrid and Everton playmaker joined the Major League Soccer side in February and has made two appearances so far this season.
