Minnesota United Denies James Rodriguez Has Rare Muscle Condition
James Rodriguez returns to training after hospital stay; club rules out rhabdomyolysis
- Rodriguez hospitalised for dehydration after Colombia’s 3–1 loss to France
- Minnesota United confirms no evidence of rhabdomyolysis
- Played in two MLS matches since joining the club in February
James Rodriguez is not suffering from the rare muscle-wasting condition rhabdomyolysis, according to Minnesota United, who have dismissed recent rumours suggesting otherwise.
The 34-year-old midfielder returned to the club’s training ground on Monday after a brief hospital stay. He had shown signs of illness during Colombia’s 3–1 loss to France on 29 March and was hospitalised for three days with severe dehydration.
Earlier, the Colombia Football Federation confirmed on 2 April that Rodriguez was under observation for a “non-sports-related medical condition” but emphasised that his prognosis was “favourable.”
Speculation on social media and some U.S. outlets suggested he might have rhabdomyolysis—a condition that can cause muscle breakdown and kidney damage. Minnesota United clarified: “The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”
Rodriguez, who won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and played in the Premier League for Everton, took part in a supervised return-to-activity session on Monday. His full return to training will continue under the guidance of the club’s medical staff.
Since joining Minnesota United in February, Rodriguez has made two MLS appearances.
