Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez ruled out of FIFA Club World Cup

James Rodriguez leaves the pitch after sustaining an injury during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Celta.

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez will be missing his side’s Club World Cup matches as he has been officially ruled out by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Colombian midfielder had to hobble off the pitch during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Celta last week after he had sustained an injury to his right calf.

His injury was also confirmed by the club’s official website with a statement that read, “Following tests carried out on James Rodriguez by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical services, he has been diagnosed with a grade 1 muscular injury in the medial gastrocnemius of his right leg. His progress will be monitored.”

A grade 1 muscular injury could mean that it is not a serious injury and he should be back to his full form within two weeks.

"I don't think James will be able to play, Calf injuries take a while to heal; it's difficult to see him recovering in time," Ancelotti told Mediaset, ruling him out for the tournament.

Real Madrid are scheduled to travel to Morocco for the Club World Cup, and will play their semi-final match against either Western Sydney Wanderers and Cruz Azul on December 16.

Since his transfer to the Los Blancos after a tremendous FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Rodriguez has provided five assists and bagged five goals, and has proved to be one of the team’s most feared players.