World Cup Brazil 2014 Roster Update: Radamel Falcao Will Not Play for Colombia; Franck Ribery Makes France’s Final Squad
Radamel Falcao will not be playing for Colombia in the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil after failing to recover from a serious knee injury in time for the tournament.
Falcao, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in January, was included in Colombia's 30-man preliminary squad, but was left off in the final squad.
The Colombian striker said that he is feeling good about himself, but he felt that he is not fit enough to make an impact for his team in Brazil this month.
"Today I am in good physical condition, but I would not want to take away a teammate's chance to play, nor do anything against my health. I believe that this is the most sensible thing I can do," Falcao said via Colombia Reports.
Falcao, who scored nine goals in nine qualifying matches for Colombia, was ruled out of the tournament after the surgery, but pushed himself in his rehab in hopes of recovering in time for this year's tournament.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman was disappointed with the development, but praised Falcao for his recovery efforts.
"What we can tell Colombians is that 'El Tigre' did more than what a human being can do to be in Brazil, but did not reach it," Pekerman said.
Colombia, who will be playing Jordan in their final warm-up match on Friday, will open their campaign against Greece on June 14, before taking on Cote d'Ivoire on June 19, and Japan on June 24.
Meanwhile, Franck Ribery was luckier than Falcao as the Bayern Munich star winger recovered from his injury, securing a spot in France's 23-man squad for the World Cup, The Guardian reported.
Ribery was considered doubtful for the tournament due to a nagging back injury, but France coach Didier Deschamps eased the fears of French football fans after naming the 31-year-old veteran to the final roster.
Deschamps, who also named goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier as Steve Mandanda's replacement, is planning to play Ribery in their upcoming friend match against Jamaica on Sunday in Lille.
France will face Honduras in their opener on June 15, Switzerland on June 20, and Ecuador on June 25.