James Rodriguez to undergo last-minute fitness test ahead of Japan opener

The Bayern Munich midfielder could miss out on his nation's first Group H game of the World Cup because of the injury he has been nursing for over a week.

Rodriguez was Colombia's star performer at the 2014 tournament, bagging the Golden Boot and Goal of the Tournament prizes as he helped his nation reach the quarter-finals, before being defeated by Brazil.

His team will be hoping that their number 10 will be able to recover in time for the game, which would be the first opportunity for himself and fellow Colombian star Radamel Falcao to play together at a World Cup.

The signs were not looking good though, as Rodriguez trained apart from the rest of his teammates in their final session before Tuesday's opener. The fitness of Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado is also in doubt.

Colombia play the Blue Samuari at Mordovia Arena, hoping to build on the success Rodriguez helped to realise at the last World Cup.