Colombia will decide as late as possible whether to start James Rodriguez in their opening World Cup clash against Japan on Tuesday as the 2014 top-scorer labours with a calf strain. The Bayern Munich forward, whose six goals left him topping the scoring charts in Brazil, trained with Colombia in Saransk on Monday. After briefly combining with striker Falcao on the pitch at the Mordovia Arena, Rodriguez sat out part of the final session.
Head coach Jose Pekerman will make a decision as close to kick-off as possible. “We are waiting to see what the doctor says over the last check. We have enough alternatives and players who can give options to the team.” Pekerman said.