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Minnesota United have dismissed reports suggesting James Rodríguez is battling a potentially life-threatening muscular-skeletal disorder, issuing a positive update on their Colombian talisman.
James was hospitalized in Minneapolis last week after experiencing severe dehydration during Colombia's friendly against France in Landover, Md.
With speculation spreading online, MLS club Minnesota United stepped forward to clarify the situation surrounding the 34-year-old midfielder's medical care.
"On March 29, James participated in Colombia's international friendly against France, during which and upon its conclusion, he began experiencing symptoms of dehydration that worsened in the hours that followed," Minnesota United posted to X on Monday night.
"The following day, and after an additional medical evaluation, he was examined and diagnosed with severe dehydration. Given the severity of the clinical presentation, he was admitted to a hospital facility on the morning of March 31, for continued monitoring and IV fluid therapy."
An Update on James's Recovery
Despite missing the Loons' return to MLS action—a 2–1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Saturday—James is making progress in his recovery.
"James was discharged and has since been recovering at home under continued medical supervision," Minnesota added. "James reported to the club's training facility today, Monday, April 6, and participated in a supervised return-to-activity session."
The MLS club also responded to the swirling rumors that James was afflicted with rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal muscular-skeletal condition that triggers rapid bodily deterioration.
"The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis. We respectfully ask members of the media and public to refrain from further speculation regarding James's health."
What Does This Mean for James and the World Cup?
Temperatures only peaked at 62 degrees Fahrenheit under clear skies during Colombia's 3–1 defeat to France in Maryland, in which James featured for 63 minutes. However, just three days earlier, Colombia had taken on Croatia in the sweltering heat of Orlando, where daytime temperatures hit 84°F and dropped to 74°F for the evening fixture. James also logged 63 minutes in that 2–1 defeat.
Following his hospital stay, questions arose over the readiness of the 2014 Golden Boot winner for the physical demands of World Cup competition. Before the international break, he had not played more than 26 minutes in any single match since a Nov. 19 friendly between Colombia and Australia. He has made just two appearances for Minnesota United since his club debut on March 15, totaling 13 and 26 minutes respectively.
More broadly, as temperatures across North America continue to climb ahead of the World Cup opener on June 11, James's health scare has heightened concerns among international players about the grueling conditions they will face on the field.
Colombia, in particular, will contend with extreme heat throughout the World Cup group stage. As members of Group K, the South American side will take on Uzbekistan on June 17 in Mexico City, where daytime temperatures can reach the mid-80s°F. They then meet DR Congo on June 23 in Zapopan, Mexico, where the mercury can soar to 90°F, before wrapping up group play on June 27 against Portugal in Miami, where similarly scorching conditions are expected.
To reduce the risk of severe dehydration, FIFA has introduced a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half of every World Cup match, irrespective of temperature or location.