BOGOTA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo has backed Minnesota midfielder James Rodriguez to be fit for the FIFA World Cup, describing him as key to the team's hopes in the tournament.

Rodriguez, 34, was Thursday included in Colombia's preliminary squad of 55 players for football's showpiece event, which begins next month in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"He wants to arrive in the best possible shape. I see him physically well. He will be available, like everyone else in the group of 26. I know first-hand how hard he has fought," Lorenzo told a news conference in Bogota.

James has made just eight appearances across all competitions for Minnesota since joining the MLS club in February.

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star's physical setbacks included a case of severe dehydration that left him hospitalized for three days after Colombia's friendly against France on March 29.

"He is an important player for us, he is the team captain. I know first-hand the commitment and willingness he has shown with us. We are monitoring him all the time," Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo's provisional list also includes 37-year-old winger Juan Cuadrado and forward Sebastian Villa, who last played for Colombia in 2019.

Colombia will begin its World Cup campaign against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on June 17 before facing DR Congo in Guadalajara on June 23 and Portugal in Miami on June 27. ■