James is expected to play an important role in the Colombian national team at the World Cup this summer. However, a hospital stay has now cast doubt on his fitness status.
Last Sunday, the Colombian national team played a test match against World Cup co-favorites France (1:3). National coach Nestor Lorenzo had once again opted for James, who started alongside Luis Diaz, among others – although there are now serious doubts about the 34-year-old’s fitness status.
These doubts have now been further fuelled. As has now become known, James spent three days in hospital after the game. The reason: severe dehydration, i.e. an acute lack of fluids in the body, in which the organism lacks vital water and electrolytes.
The 2014 World Cup top scorer was substituted after 63 minutes in Landover (US state of Maryland) without any immediate abnormalities. However, he was then taken to a hospital in Minnesota, where he now plays for MLS club Minnesota United, “for preventive clinical monitoring and recovery”, according to the Colombian association.
Two drinking breaks planned for World Cup matches
In recent months, Lorenzo has had to justify his belief that the former Bayern player (2017-2019) will continue to play a key role in his squad and probably also at the upcoming World Cup. Colombia will face Uzbekistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal in Group K.
Independently of this, the case is also likely to underline the need for hydration breaks at the tournament. Due to the expected heat, a three-minute drinking break is to be taken after 22 and 67 minutes respectively in all 104 matches. Such breaks were also introduced at the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025.
