Colombia’s 30-Man Pre-Squad for the 2014 World Cup: Falcao’s Return a Big Question
Colombian coach José Pékerman has taken a bold decision by including Radamel Falcao, the Monaco striker recovering from a severe knee injury, in his 30-man pre-squad for the 2014 World Cup. Falcao, who underwent surgery for a torn cruciate ligament in January, faces an uncertain return to full fitness in time for the tournament. His inclusion in the pre-squad is a big risk, but the coach seems hopeful that Falcao can recover in time. The squad will be finalized by June 2, and the final decision on Falcao’s participation will depend on his recovery progress.
Here is the full list of Colombia’s 30 pre-selected players for the World Cup:
Goalkeepers:
David Ospina (Nice)
Faryd Mondragón (Deportivo Cali)
Camilo Vargas (Santa Fe)
Defenders:
Mario Yepes (Atalanta)
Aquivaldo Mosquera (América de México)
Cristian Zapata (Milan)
Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo)
Amaranto Perea (Cruz Azul)
Eder Álvarez Balanta (River Plate)
Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven)
Camilo Zúñiga (Napoli)
Pablo Armero (West Ham)
Midfielders:
Carlos Sánchez (Elche)
Fredy Guarín (Inter)
Abel Aguilar (Toulouse)
Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia)
Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto)
Víctor Ibarbo (Cagliari)
Edwin Valencia (Fluminense)
Alexander Mejía (Nacional)
James Rodríguez (Monaco)
Macnelly Torres (Al Shabab)
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
Forwards:
Luis Fernando Muriel (Udinese)
Teófilo Gutiérrez (River Plate)
Radamel Falcao García (Monaco)
Carlos Bacca (Sevilla)
Adrián Ramos (Hertha Berlin)
Jackson Martínez (Porto)
While Falcao’s inclusion remains uncertain due to his recovery, Colombia has a strong squad, featuring key players like James Rodríguez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, and Teófilo Gutiérrez, who will all play significant roles if Colombia is to make a deep run in the tournament.
