Colombia's James Rodriguez, left, in pain next to USA's Michael Bradley during their Copa America match in Santa Clara, California, United States, on June 3, 2016. AFP / JOSH EDELSON
Colombia's James Rodriguez, left, in pain next to USA's Michael Bradley during their Copa America match in Santa Clara, California, United States, on June 3, 2016. AFP / JOSH EDELSON

‘Versatile’ Dayro Moreno can fill possible void left by Colombia’s James Rodriguez at Copa America



Colombia assistant manager Nestor Lorenzo says no decision has been made on whether to include captain James Rodriguez in the side to face Paraguay in the Copa America on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid midfielder was expected to miss the match after dislocating his left shoulder during their 2-0 win over the USA on Saturday.

Attacker Dayro Moreno was brought on to replace him and it was believed coach Jose Pekerman would not risk his captain for their second Group A match.

Read more Copa America news

Andy Mitten: Copa America the stage for James Rodriguez to save Real Madrid career – or seal move to Man United

Day 2 round-up: Brazil held to goalless draw by Ecuador, Peru off to winning start

Copa America guide: 2016 Copa America Centenario — Your guide to the tournament

Speaking to the press on Sunday Lorenzo said: “Beyond the speculation on whether James will play or not... I would rather talk about the characteristics of Dayro.

“Dayro Moreno has projection and good pace that allows us to use him in that position with good results. We think he is a versatile player, he can also help at the back.”

Paraguay drew 0-0 with Costa Rica in their opening game but manager Ramon Diaz believes his side will give everything they have to stay in the competition.

Speaking to reporters he said: “We did not play (good enough on Saturday).

“There are two games left and everything is open and Paraguay will battle.”

Diaz believes the weather has not been considered in the scheduling of the Copa America after his side struggled in the conditions against Costa Rica.

He said: “It’s crazy to play at the time we played.

“I would like to see a little more consideration and respect for the real protagonists, who are the players.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport

Profile of Tarabut Gateway

Founder: Abdulla Almoayed

Based: UAE

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 35

Sector: FinTech

Raised: $13 million

Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.


Abtal

Keep up with all the Middle East and North Africa athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics

      By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy
      Abtal