SARANSK, Russia, June 19 (Xinhua) -- James Rodriguez was left out of Colombia's starting lineup for their opening World Cup Group H match here on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has not trained since the Cafeteros squad arrived in Russia last week as he struggles to recover from a calf problem.
His absence is a blow to Jose Pekerman's men, who were quarterfinalists in Brazil four years ago, in what was their best ever finish in football's premier international tournament.
Rodriguez was the star of that campaign, winning the World Cup Golden Boot with six goals.
As expected, Colombia's all-time leading scorer Radamel Falcao was included in the starting eleven for the match at Mordovia Arena, having missed the last World Cup with a knee injury.
Japan, who lost to Colombia 4-1 during the group stage in Brazil, included experienced pair Shinji Kagawa and Yuto Nagatomo in their starting lineup.
