Still in January, Radamel Falcao lacked cruciate ligaments, but doctors hoped to put the forward on his feet for the world football championship. However, Colombian national team coach Jose Pekerman confirmed that R. Falcao cannot play football yet and we will not see him in Brazil.
The forward suffered a serious injury in the French Cup match with the modest Monts d'Or Azergues club in January. Since then, the Colombian has been racing against time to recover before the world championships in Brazil.
The forward needed knee surgery, but doctors said that R. Falcao was recovering quickly and should be able to make it in time. Although the forward had long been training with his teammates, it was decided not to risk his health.
"I would like to say good evening, but I can't - it was too sad a day. I have to announce that Amaranto Perea, Luis Fernando Muriel, and Radamel Falcao will not be at the World Cup. A. Perea and R. Falcao will not play due to injuries, and L. Muriel due to my decision. Doctors clearly said that it was too early for Radamel to play football", said J. Pekerman at a press conference.
Almost in tears, R. Falcao added: "I can't take another player's place if I'm not a hundred percent ready."
In Group C of the world championships, Colombia will face off against Japan, Greece, and Ivory Coast.
Final lineup of the Colombian national team:
Goalkeepers: David Ospina ("Nice"), Faryd Mondragon ("Deportivo Cali"), Camilo Vargas ("Independiente Santa Fe").
Defenders: Mario Yepes, Cristian Zapata ("Milan"), Pablo Armero, Camilo Zuniga ("Napoli"), Santiago Arias (PSV), Eder Alvarez Balanta ("River Plate"), Carlos Valdes ("San Lorenzo").
Midfielders: Fredy Guarin (Milan "Inter"), Juan Cuadrado ("Fiorentina"), James Rodriguez ("Monaco"), Abel Aguilar ("Toulouse"), Juan Fernando Quintero ("Porto"), Carlos Sanchez ("Elche"), Aldo Leao Ramirez ("Morelia"), Alexander Mejia ("Atletico Nacional").
Forwards: Victor Ibarbo ("Cagliari"), Jackson Martinez ("Porto"), Carlos Bacca ("Sevilla"), Adrian Ramos ("Hertha", moved to "Borussia"), Teofilo Gutierrez ("River Plate").
15min.lt
