Minnesota United Issues Firm Denial Over James Rodriguez Health Speculation
Major League Soccer club Minnesota United has issued a robust and unequivocal denial regarding widespread social media rumours suggesting their star midfielder James Rodriguez is suffering from a potentially fatal muscle-wasting condition. The denial comes directly following the Colombian international's recent three-day hospitalisation in the United States, which had sparked considerable online speculation about his health status.
Hospitalisation Follows International Friendly Match
The 34-year-old former Everton player was admitted to hospital after experiencing what was described as "severe dehydration" following Colombia's friendly defeat to France in Maryland on 29 March. The Colombian Football Federation had previously revealed that Rodriguez had been hospitalised for a medical issue "not related to musculoskeletal injuries" and not "linked to the development of his football activities." This carefully worded statement inadvertently fuelled social media speculation that the veteran midfielder might be afflicted with rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition that causes muscle fibres to break down and can potentially lead to fatal kidney damage if left untreated.
Club Statement Directly Addresses Rhabdomyolysis Claims
In response to the growing speculation, Minnesota United released an official statement on Monday night directly addressing the claims about their player's health. "The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis," the statement read with clear emphasis. The club went further to request that "members of the media and the public refrain from further speculation regarding James' health" and confirmed that "any additional updates will be communicated directly by the club through official channels."
Medical Details and Recovery Timeline
Rodriguez was substituted in the 63rd minute of Colombia's defeat to France, and the Colombian Football Federation later confirmed in a statement on 2 April that he had "presented with severe dehydration" the day after the match. The federation noted he remained in hospital for 72 hours "for preventative and recovery monitoring." Minnesota United provided additional medical context, revealing that Rodriguez received intravenous fluid therapy before being discharged from hospital and was back at the club's training ground on Monday for what they described as "a supervised return-to-activity session." The club emphasised that his full reintegration into team training "will follow the protocols established by the club's medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress."
Distinguished Career and Current MLS Stint
James Rodriguez, a veteran of two World Cups with Colombia, has enjoyed a distinguished career that includes significant spells at European football giants such as Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The attacking midfielder also had a one-year spell at Everton during the 2020-21 Premier League campaign before joining Major League Soccer side Minnesota United on a short-term deal in February of this year. His health and fitness remain crucial to both his club and national team aspirations as he continues his professional career in North America.
