James Rodriguez OUT of Colombia’s squad for this summer’s Copa America due to injury

James Rodriguez has reacted angrily to being dropped by Colombia for their Copa America campaign this summer due to injury, insisting he is fit enough to play some part.

The Everton has been cut from the Colombia squad and will miss two World Cup qualifiers in June along with the summer tournament. 

A statement from the Colombian FA stated that Rodriguez was ‘not at optimum level to compete’ so he was dropped from the squad as they could not ‘count on him’.  

James Rodriguez is angry after being left out of Colombia’s Copa America squad due to injury

The 29-year-old has endured an injury-hit first season at Goodison Park, playing just 26 times

The statement did not specify what the problem was, but the Everton player has missed several games this season with a calf injury, including the final two games of the Premier League season which saw him fly back to Colombia early.

But Rodriguez has unleashed a furious reply to not being selected and claims he is in ‘enormous pain’ due to not being trusted by the Colombia staff over his fitness.

A press statement from the midfielder on Friday read: ‘I am in a recovery which is in its final part, where I have taken the time to fully integrate myself into training and will not affect my participation in the next commitments for our national team. 

The midfielder was cut from the Colombia squad on Friday but insist he is fit enough to play

‘The relevant cycle of this process says that I take precaution on the seventh round of the (World Cup) qualifying games (against Peru on June 3) but this would allow me to fully integrate with the team for the eighth game (against Argentina on June 8) and then of course the Copa America.

‘With surprise, I received the statement from the coaching staff claiming they do not count on me and that they wish me a full recovery – one that I have already made where I have sacrificed a lot. 

‘The above fills me with deep disappointment because for me it’s about playing for my country. Not receiving the trust of the coaching staff breaks everything apart and causes me enormous pain as I have always left everything for the Colombia shirt, even my life. 

‘I wish my team-mates the best energy and wishes. I will support from a distance with my habitual passion.’ 

Rodriguez flew home to Colombia from Liverpool earlier than planned to try and get fit in time

Colombia boss Reinaldo Rueda deemed him not fit enough to play for the team this summer

Colombia face Qatar 2022 qualifiers away in Peru on June 3 and at home to Argentina five days later. The Copa America then kicks off on June 13.

 Earlier on Friday, astatement regarding Rodriguez’s absence read: ‘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 Rodríguez this time and hope that soon the midfielder will be able to be part of a call, representing our country with the height and professionalism as he has always done.’

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Rodriguez was looking forward to the Copa America – but maintained the attacking midfielder will be fit by the start of next season. 

The Italian said earlier this month: ‘I think the Copa America is in his mind when the season finished. To say James was focused on the Copa America before now, no.

‘James was really disappointed for the fact he was not able to help the team in this final part of the season and was really sad. But what can he do?

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti (left) hopes James will be back fit by the start of next season

‘He has to be ready when the season starts and try to avoid the problem he had this season. I hope to have him soon next season fit and at his best.’ 

Colombia were meant to co-host the tournament with Argentina but civil unrest there prompted the South American Football Confederation to remove them as joint hosts.

No decision has been taken on where to play the 15 games that were scheduled for Colombia.