MIAMI, Nov. 15 -- Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has been ruled out of Colombia's friendlies against Peru and Ecuador after suffering a knee injury while training.
The 28-year-old will return to Spain to undergo medical treatment under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical staff, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said in a statement on Friday.
James had already been withdrawn from the Cafeteros squad for Friday's clash with Peru near Miami after limping off the training pitch on Thursday with pain in his left knee. Subsequent medical tests showed that he would also be unavailable for Tuesday's duel with Ecuador in New Jersey, though the FCF did not provide details of the injury.
"After carrying out the pertinent exams, the FCF decided that ... [he] should continue his recovery with Real Madrid," the statement read. "We wish him a speedy recovery and prompt return."
James has not represented Colombia since the team's Copa America quarterfinal defeat to Chile on penalties in June, having missed subsequent friendlies against Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and Algeria due to physical problems.