World Cup Brazil 2014: Radamel Falcao Could Drop Out of Colombia’s World Cup Roster
Radamel Falcao was named in Colombia's 30-man preliminary squad, but the star striker conceded that he might miss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Falcao said that he is doing well in his recovery from a knee surgery, but he quickly added that he might put himself out of the running for Colombia's 23-man squad if he feels that he will not make an impact in the upcoming tournament.
Falcao, who is still recovering from a surgery to repair a torn ACL, said that he is doing well in his rehab, but he admitted that it will be hard for him to become 100 percent ready for the tournament, which is schedule to start on June 12.
"To arrive 100 percent match-fit will be impossible because I am lacking competitive action," Falcao said. "To sum up, if it feels good, I will go. If I see that I am not secure and I cannot bring anything, I will be sensible and not go."
Falcao's father, Radamel Garcia, also admitted in an interview with Colombian station RCN that time is running out for his son, saying that the Monaco striker is only 60 percent recovered at this point.
Falcao was actually ruled out for six to seven months after the surgery earlier this year, but he has been working double time to make himself ready, knowing that he will play a vital role in Colombia's campaign this summer.
"We must wait and see what happens," Falcao's father said. "The doctors, who know about these things, say that clinically to begin to play it takes six or seven months. Doing the math he will not have enough time. He is now recovered about 60 percent but still needs force, pace, resistance -- combination of things that are fundamental in a high-performance athlete."
If Falcao misses the tournament, coach Jose Pekerman will pin his hopes on striker James Rodriguez and his team's vaunted defensive line led by veteran Mario Yepes, who has over international 100 caps for Colombia.
Colombia will open their 2014 World Cup campaign against Greece on June 14 and will also face Ivory Coast and Japan in Group C of the tournament.