Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez said that James Rodriguez is fit for Tuesday's Champions League match at home against Paris Saint-Germain as well as for upcoming duties with the Colombian national team, but cautioned that the midfielder is still regaining form and warned his home country to return him to Spain in good health.
Colombia face Chile on Nov. 12 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with a match against Argentina on Nov. 17.
"It is fine that Colombia recall him, he will go because the rules state as such. The only thing I hope is that he scores many goals and returns healthy," Benitez said during Monday's news conference while also addressing the Colombian's scheduled return from injury.
"He is on the list, he is better. And to avoid misinterpretation I am going to make this clear: He has been recovering for some time," Benitez said. "He is missing the rhythm of competition and he is available although that doesn't mean that he will be a starter."
Real Madrid and PSG played to a scoreless draw in their first Champions League meeting a fortnight ago, PSG lead the group, level on seven points with Madrid. A win by either side would give them command of first place. A victory would also qualify the winner for the round of 16 if Swedish team Malmo fail to take points at bottom club Shakhtar Donetsk.
"The team are doing well but I am convinced that they will improve. I want to see the best team when we are competing for titles," the Spaniard said. "We've got a great margin of improvement. I hope the best is yet to come."
Sergio Ramos will also return to the squad with Raphael Varane and Pepe expected to start in central defence. Both Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are still injured and will sit out.
"[Benzema] is up to the [recovery] stage expected but he is not on the list because he still needs to build up his confidence for a match at this level," Benitez said. "He continues to improve but this is a match of much intensity and importance."