Radamel Falcao still remains a major doubt for the World Cup 2014 despite being included in the squad announced by Colombia’s national team manager. The former Atletico Madrid striker is regarded as one of the most lethal in the world. He transferred to Monaco for a transfer fee of £ 50 million – one of the highest right now. Towards the second half of the season, Falcao suffered a serious knee injury that ruled him out for more than six months. Back then, it was considered that the striker will certainly miss the World Cup. However, he has made incredible progress to be included in the squad with a month to go for the competition.
He has still not returned to the pitch to play competitive football, but Colombia are confident that even a half fit Falcao will help them get past the group stages of the World Cup. The player’s father, though, has acknowledged that despite being included in the squad, his son is only 60% fit. This raises doubts ahead of the tournament. There is still a possibility that Falcao could be dropped from the squad since he is only included in the provisional squad. The 28-year-old was one of the top scorers in the league with nine goals before his injury.
“Clinically he is very well, but when it comes to football he isn’t yet because he is still getting his physical qualities back. We have to wait to see what happens. He is about 60% recovered, but what he lacks is endurance, strength, speed and coordination – fundamental things for a high-performance football player,” said Falcao’s father. In his absence, Monaco failed to win the league title and finished 10 points behind leaders Paris St Germain.
Despite the injury problems, Falcao continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.