BOGOTA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Veteran midfielder James Rodriguez has been included in Colombia's preliminary squad for the Copa America, the South American country's football federation said on Thursday.
The 32-year-old has made just eight appearances across all competitions for Sao Paulo this year and has not even been considered for the Brazilian club's matchday squad in recent weeks, despite having overcome a thigh injury.
As expected, Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo also included Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran in his 28-man squad for the continental tournament, to be played in the United States from June 20 to July 14.
But there was no place for Radamel Falcao, who paid the price for a lack of playing time for Rayo Vallecano this season. The 28-year-old, who is Colombia's all-time leading scorer with 36 goals in 104 international games, has netted just four times in 25 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish club this season.
Lorenzo also called up veterans Juan Fernando Quintero, Yerry Mina and David Ospina. The Argentina will prune his squad to 26 in the coming seeks.
Colombia are scheduled begin their Copa America campaign against Paraguay on June 24 before meeting Costa Rica four days later and Brazil on July 2 to complete the group stage.
The Cafeteros will prepare for the tournament with two friendlies: the first against the United States in Washington on June 8 and the second against Bolivia in Connecticut seven days later. ■
