Exhibit A of why we most often despise international breaks: I don’t even want to say it. Rafael Benítez is about to have a new buddy on the sidelines, as James Rodríguez will be setting up shop from the bench this month. ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJfrtoDMLCw
Yep, you heard right. The Real Madrid superstar is facing a one-month recovery after suffering a nasty left thigh muscle tear as a result of knocks received during Colombia’s 1-1 friendly draw vs. Peru in New Jersey this past Monday.
James left the match against Peru as a precaution in the 59th minute, and despite appearing to be a mere contusion upon initial examinations, he was later told that much more damage had been done.
This news comes after James’ world-shattering brace performance against Real Betis, so it’s pretty safe to say that madridismo is a bit deflated at the moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZincgPq1Qw
Luckily, the depth of the equipo madrileño is outrageous – truly out of this world – and Isco will likely be James’ replacement against Espanyol this weekend and in the Champions League clash vs. Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. There’s no doubt in my mind that Isco can (and will) provide a little extra magic in his teammate’s absence.