Colombia manager Pekerman 'very worried' about Rodriguez's fitness

Colombia manager Jose Pekerman has admitted he has serious concerns over the availability of star man James Rodriguez for the last-16 clash with England on Tuesday.

Rodriguez left the final group-stage match against Senegal after barely 30 minutes, punching the turf in frustration before his withdrawal.

The Bayern Munich midfielder was unable to start the opener against Japan because of a calf injury, but Pekerman revealed he does not know if this is a recurrence of the same issue or an emerging problem.

"I am very worried," Pekerman said after the game, as reported by ESPN. "The situation is tough for the team, it is not an easy situation.

"He trained normally up until yesterday and even yesterday he stayed after practice, as he always does, taking extra shots, free kicks, penalties. He has been in optimum conditions for all the recent training sessions and at the last, we had no indication he was in any pain. Now, sincerely, I honestly don't know how he is.

"I don't have any confirmation of injury or any information at all. We must wait. We are hoping that it will be good news after the medical tests and then we will know for sure what has happened."

Rodriguez's absence would be as bad news for Colombia as it would be good for England. The 26-year-old is his country's lightning rod, the focus of everything good in attack.

He has managed just one full 90 minutes so far at the tournament but inspired his side during that match, registering two assists in the 3-0 win over Poland on matchday two.