FIFA World Cup 2018: James Rodriguez set to be a game-time decision for clash against England | Sportsmonks
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FIFA World Cup 2018: James Rodriguez set to be a game-time decision for clash against England

Colombia’s coach Jose Perkerman was able to give some good news after talisman James Rodriguez had undergone an injury scan prior to his country’s knockout fixture against England on Tuesday. The MRI scan was meant to view the situation of his unfortunate calf injury, which forced him out of the game against Senegal after just 30 minutes.

Speaking on the same, he informed, 'We had good news after his medical tests. After his MRI (scan) we knew that he doesn’t have a serious injury.'

Owing to this strain, the forward also missed an all-important training session on Friday.

The same calf injury kept him out of action for a month or so in the 2017/18 club season, where he featured for the German giants, Bayern Munich – on loan from Real Madrid. And well, it’s back haunting him again.

While the strain ended his outing against Senegal, another niggle had forced him out of the starting XI in their opening game against Japan.

The 26-year-old’s coach – Jose Pekerman – expressed his worries when he stated that he was “extremely concerned” over Columbia’s best player’s fitness. When asked about the situation, he added, 'is not comfortable for us.'

Should the 2014 Golden Boot winner sit out again, Pekerman will have to bank on Juan Quintero and Juan Cuadrado to carry their side to the next round. Both of them have got onto the score sheet in this World Cup and unquestionably will have to be on top of their game to get the better of a dynamic English side.

They, however, certainly possess the quality to do so.

The South Americans came back into the tournament after a shock defeat in their opening clash against Japan. Eventually, they topped their group with six points and a healthy goal difference of +3.

They took an underwhelming Poland side to the cleaners – where Rodriguez was instrumental, before Yerry Mina guided them to the Round-of-16 with a winner against Senegal on Matchday 3.

Los Cafeteros lock horns with Gareth Southgate’s with an eye on reaching the quarterfinals for the second time running.

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