aAfter a week that left both Colombian and MLS fans in suspense, Minnesota United has broken their silence. James Rodriguez, the club’s star player and captain of the Colombian national team, has returned to the Loons’ training facility, ending a series of disturbing speculations regarding his fitness.
Ending the rumor: Rhabdomyolysis does not exist
The club was frank in its official statement. In response to reports circulating on social media and in some media suggesting that the midfielder is suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the destruction of muscle tissue that can impair kidney function, Minnesota United’s medical team issued a categorical statement:
“The club and our medical experts can confirm that there is no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”
With this statement, the team aims to protect the player’s privacy and reduce media “noise” surrounding his hospitalization on March 31 following an international friendly between Colombia and France.
The chronology of recovery is under scrutiny
James’ process has been tracked minute by minute. Here’s a breakdown of the events that led to his brief absence:
March 29: James plays a friendly against France. At the end of the match, he began to show signs of severe dehydration. March 31: Due to persistent symptoms, he was admitted to the hospital for IV therapy and continued monitoring. April 2: After making good progress, he was discharged from the hospital and moved to his home to continue his recovery. April 4: Missed the team’s win (2-1) against the Los Angeles Galaxy, but the coaching staff did not want to put him at risk. April 6: He officially appears at the practice facility. His first supervised reintegration session.
Return Plan: Step by Step
James has already returned to the club, but his return to the pitch won’t be immediate. Minnesota United has designed a phased reintegration protocol.
The Colombian athlete is currently working on differentiated, low-intensity work under the supervision of the medical department. The goal is to assess his cardiovascular and muscular responses before enrolling him in high-intensity group training led by coach Cameron Knowles.
Next goal: San Diego FC
All eyes are on the MLS calendar. Minnesota United will face San Diego FC on Saturday, April 11th. If James develops positively over the next 48 to 72 hours, he could join the team, but he will likely start on the bench to avoid a relapse.
The composure of the Colombian national team
This news not only makes Minnesota happy, but also the Colombian national team’s coaching staff as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. It has been confirmed that the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) has contacted doctors in the United States to verify that the treatment received was appropriate for dehydration caused by excessive exercise and ruled out chronic injury or degenerative disease.
With the return of James Rodríguez and the club dispelling rumors of serious competition, the world of football once again became the only main player in the career of the talented left-footed midfielder.
