James Rodriguez OUT of Colombia's squad for Copa America due to injury

Colombia have not included James Rodriguez in their squad for this summer's Copa America due to his lack of conditioning.

The Everton playmaker arrived in Colombia last week and, after a few days of being with his friends and family, as well as doing work in the gym, the Colombian national team's medical staff came to the conclusion that he is not in tip-top shape.

James has struggled with injuries in his debut season in England, and he was even allowed to miss Everton's final match of the season - a humiliating 5-0 defeat away at Manchester City - in order to return to Colombia and prepare for the Copa America.

"The coaching staff of the Colombia Senior Men's National Team inform that the player James Rodriguez has been withdrawn from the qualifying games against Peru and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021," read the Colombian Football Federation's statement.

"In recent days, the midfielder underwent medical examinations, which determined that he is not at the optimum level of fitness to compete, which is why he will not be able to join the group of players called up by [head coach] Reinaldo Rueda for the aforementioned matches and the South American tournament.

"The coach and his staff regret not being able to call up James Rodriguez on this occasion and hope that soon the midfielder will be able to be part of a squad list, representing our country with the same professionalism and stature as he has always done."

James has made a total of 80 appearances for Colombia, scoring 23 goals and providing 25 goals.