James Rodriguez’s Rayo Vallecano debut delayed despite Colombia call up | OneFootball

James Rodriguez will not make his Rayo Vallecano debut against Espanyol in La Liga action this weekend.

The Colombian international completed a bold return to Madrid this week after agreeing a one-year contract in Vallecas.

The 33-year-old will add experience and star quality to Rayo’s midfield in the coming months, but he is short of match fitness, following his free transfer departure from Olympiakos.

His last match action came in Colombia’s defeat to Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final on July 15 with virtually no preseason in between.

Rayo head coach Inigo Perez confirmed he is not ready to feature in his plans, but confirmed he will join up with the Colombia squad for next month’s two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s normal the national team calls him up. But, I want to look after him and when he plays there, to ensure there’s no risk”, as per reports from Relevo.

“With the excitement James generates, we want to see him, but he’s still adapting . He’s been out of action for a while, so we’re going very carefully.”

Rayo have picked up three points in their opening three games with just one defeat against Barcelona in midweek.

Rodriguez’s trip away with Colombia is unlikely to feature two starts against Peru and Argentina.