Colombia star James Rodríguez was hospitalized in Minnesota after suffering from severe dehydration following a friendly match against France on Sunday, the Colombian Football Federation said Thursday.
Rodríguez, who joined Minnesota United on a short-term deal earlier this year, played 63 minutes of Colombia’s 3-1 loss to France in a World Cup tuneup match in Landover, Maryland.
He didn’t show symptoms until his return to Minneapolis on Monday, according to the Colombia federation.
“It has been confirmed, after establishing communication with a medical center in the State of Minnesota, that the midfielder has been under professional observation due to a non-sports-related medical condition,” the federation said in a statement.
“The day after the match against France, the player presented with severe dehydration that required hospitalization for the past 72 hours for preventative and recovery monitoring.”
Rodríguez, 34, checked into the hospital when returning to Minnesota from international duty, accompanied by Minnesota United’s medical team to review all tests and diagnoses. Rodríguez is now at home recovering from the incident.
Colombia later clarified that the case is not related to any prior injuries.
“It is important to clarify that this situation is not related to musculoskeletal injuries nor is it linked to the development of his football activities,” the statement continued.
“Fortunately, the current medical report indicates a favorable evolution and a steady improvement.”
Rodríguez also featured in Colombia’s first match of the March international window, playing another 63 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Croatia in Orlando, Florida, on March 26.
The former Real Madrid attacker has made two substitute appearances so far for Minnesota this season. Minnesota’s next game is at the LA Galaxy on Saturday.
