JAMES RODRIGUEZ STARTS FOR BAYERN MUNICH IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
James Rodriguez returned as a starter for Bayern Munich to lead their midfield. The Colombian midfielder took control of his team's rhythm in the match against Besiktas in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. However, he had to leave the field after just 44 minutes as a precaution.
The Colombian midfielder left the field as a precaution, after feeling a tightness in one of his calf muscles, and immediately the coaching staff substituted him, bringing in Dutchman Arjen Robben.
"He does not have a serious injury. He came out because of problems in his calf. He was afraid of getting injured. That's why he came out, it was precautionary," Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said in an interview with ESPN.
Bayern Munich confirmed that medical examinations will be conducted on Wednesday to determine the severity of the muscle issue and his length of incapacity.
#Jupp on @jamesdrodriguez: "He felt discomfort in his calf, he will undergo new medical tests tomorrow." #FCBBJK February 20, 2018
Initially, it was speculated that a strong accidental hit from his teammate Thomas Müller had caused him to leave the match.
James had been having a standout performance. He had a free kick that went just wide of Besiktas' goal. In addition, he completed 42 passes, with 39 of them being accurate and only 3 being inaccurate, for a precision rate of 93 percent.
SPORTS