Minnesota United addresses speculation regarding James Rodriguez’s rare muscle-wasting condition.
The club of James Rodriguez has refuted claims that the Colombian midfielder is suffering from a potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting illness.
The 34-year-old, who previously played for Everton, spent three days in the hospital due to “severe dehydration” following his national team’s friendly loss to France in Maryland, United States, on March 29.
The Colombian football federation disclosed that he was hospitalized in the US for an issue “not related to musculoskeletal injuries” and not “associated with the progression of his football activities.”
Speculation on social media suggested he was experiencing rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition that leads to muscle breakdown and can result in serious kidney damage.
However, Minnesota United, his club, issued a statement on Monday evening: “The club and our medical team can categorically confirm there has been no clinical or laboratory indication of rhabdomyolysis.”
“We kindly request that media members and the public avoid further speculation regarding James’ health. Any further updates will be provided directly by the club through official channels.”
Rodriguez was substituted in the 63rd minute during the match against France, with the Colombian Football Federation stating on April 2 that he had “presented with severe dehydration” the day after the game and was hospitalized for 72 hours “for preventative and recovery monitoring.”
Minnesota also noted that James received IV fluid therapy before being released and returned to the club’s training facility on Monday for “a supervised return-to-activity session.”
The club’s statement further indicated: “His reintegration into full team training will adhere to the protocols set by the club’s medical department and will be entirely guided by his clinical progress.”
Rodriguez’s career has included tenures at Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, along with a one-year period at Everton during the 2020-21 season.
Having represented his country in two World Cups, Rodriguez joined Major League Soccer team Minnesota United on a short-term contract in February.
