James returns to training and "ready" for Leganés
James Rodríguez has moved to dispel remours over the latest injury which kept him out of Champions League action: “They need to relax. I am fine and I am back training.”
James Rodriguez has returned to training just days after the suffering a groin injury that kept him out of Real Madrid’s Champions League draw against Legia Warsaw, much to the happy surprise of Real Madrid’s medical team.
Minor problem
In an interview with RCN on Thursday evening, the Colombian star was particularly keen to dispel rumours surrounding the seriousness of the problem and to assure that he’d be available for LaLiga action again this weekend and the upcoming international fixtures.
“I am fine. It’s not what they were saying, that I was badly injured. It was only something minor,” James said. “They need to relax. I am fine and I am training.”
The midfielder – who’ll now likely be named in the Colombia squad on Friday for the games against Chile and Argentina – revealed that he didn’t travel to Warsaw earlier this week out of precaution.
“I wanted to play in the Champions League, but I have to be intelligent. When you feel something you have to stop a little. I spoke to the medical staff and I sat out a day, but now I’m training and I’ll be ready for the weekend.”
Confrontation avoided?
James’ return may likely have avoided yet another confrontation between Real Madrid and the Colombian Football Federation over the player’s fitness. After tensions arose during the summer, the two sides were at loggerheads during the last international break in October after Colombia called up their captain despite him carrying an injury. In the end the Spanish club won the battle when James returned to Madrid without having played a minute for his national side.