James released from Colombia's Copa America squad

The attacking midfielder will be unable to perform at the international stage this summer due to fitness issues.

James Rodriguez will miss the Copa America and the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina after being released from the Colombia squad due to injury.

Colombia are drawn in Group B of Copa America 2020/21 alongside titleholders Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.

Before the opening match of this summer’s South American regional tournament on June 15, Reinaldo Rueda’s men face off against Peru and Argentina in the CONMEBOL section of World Cup qualifying.

Colombia will have to make do without their primary creative force as the former Real Madrid star has been deemed unfit to play in those matches.

A statement from the Colombian FA read: “The coaching staff of the Colombia men’s senior team reports that the player James Rodriguez has been ruled out for the games against Peru and Argentina for the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021.

“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.”