Bayern Munich's new signing James Rodriguez will travel to meet up with the Colombia national team for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers despite not having fully recovered from injury.
James, 26, has not played since he picked up a thigh injury in Bayern's Audi Cup loss to Liverpool on Aug. 1. However, the Colombia FA (Federacion Colombiana de Futbol (FCF)) named him in their squad for the World Cup qualifiers in Venezuela on Aug. 31 and at home to Brazil five days later. According to FIFA statutes, a club has to release a nominated player.
The former Real Madrid attacker has stepped up his comeback bid in the past week, carrying out an individual training programme in Munich. On Sunday, Bayern medic Dr. Volker Braun examined the player and it was agreed that the Colombia international would definitely sit out their qualifier in Venezuela on Thursday.
"It remains to be seen if James will be available for the second match, the decision will be made after consultation with Dr. Volker Braun and the Colombian national team doctor," Bayern announced on their website.
Brazil have already qualified for the 2018 Finals in Russia and Colombia currently lie second in the group behind the five-time World champions.