The club has dismissed life-threatening illness rumours as James Rodríguez returns to training after missing last weekend’s 2-1 win over LA Galaxy
Minnesota United have moved to unequivocally deny reports that Colombian international James Rodríguez is suffering from rhabdomyolysis following a recent hospitalisation.
The health of the 34-year-old playmaker became the subject of intense speculation across South American and American media over the weekend, with some outlets suggesting the former Real Madrid star was battling a career-threatening condition.
These rumours began to circulate after Rodríguez was admitted to a medical facility following his participation in two international friendlies for Colombia.
However, in a detailed medical briefing released by the club, the Loons clarified that the midfielder was actually treated for severe dehydration rather than the complex muscle-breakdown syndrome reported elsewhere.
The club’s intervention marks a firm attempt to quell “further speculation” as the veteran begins his phased reintegration into the first-team setup at the National Sports Center.
The timeline provided by the club indicates that the physical distress began during Colombia’s friendly against France on Sunday, 29 March.
Following the conclusion of that match, the experienced midfielder experienced worsening symptoms that eventually required professional intervention.
“On Sunday, March 29, James participated in Colombia’s international friendly against France, during which and upon its conclusion, he began experiencing symptoms of dehydration that worsened in the hours that followed,” the club’s official statement read.
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After a subsequent evaluation the following morning, he was diagnosed with severe dehydration and admitted to a hospital on Tuesday, 31 March, for IV fluid therapy and monitoring.
An update regarding the health of James Rodríguez pic.twitter.com/A3RKWE21AN
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 6, 2026
Clinical evidence refutes rhabdomyolysis claims
The club were particularly pointed in their refutation of the more serious diagnosis that had gained traction on social media. Rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the blood that can lead to kidney damage, was ruled out entirely by Minnesota’s medical staff.
“Minnesota United FC takes the health and privacy of its players seriously. The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis,” the club stated.
This direct clarification was intended to shift the narrative away from a “potentially life-threatening condition” back to a standard, albeit severe, case of physical exhaustion and fluid loss.
Fortunately for Minnesota fans, the recovery process has already shifted toward the pitch. After being discharged from the hospital and spending several days recuperating at home under supervision, Rodríguez reported back to the club’s training facility on Monday.
His return was marked by a controlled, supervised session designed to gauge his physical response to activity. The club has noted that his path back to full team training will be “guided entirely by his clinical progress” and overseen by the department’s established medical protocols.