PASADENA, Calif. -- Colombia forward James Rodriguez showed no sign of injury on Tuesday, as he drove Los Cafeteros into the knockout rounds of the Copa America Centenario, but it isn't all good news for the Real Madrid player.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman confirmed that Rodriguez's left shoulder injury will need surgery to be completely corrected.
"We realise that this injury could reoccur," Pekerman said, pointing to his shoulder. "He'll need surgery. Real Madrid has been informed."
Pekerman explained after the 2-1 victory that, just like the fans, he was desperate for Rodriguez to feature against Paraguay and left it until the day of the game to give him as much time as possible to recover from the injury picked up in the 2-0 victory against the United States last Friday.
"James Rodriguez was never ruled out of the game," Pekerman said, despite reports he had been. "His recovery was good."
Pekerman added that once the pain had died down for Rodriguez, the player was able to receive treatment and that the coaching staff knew at the start of Tuesday that the Real Madrid star would be available.
Rodriguez concurred with his manager.
"It is something with which we have to be careful with because the shoulder is always open," said the player after the match.
Colombia fans will be hoping the injury doesn't hold back Rodriguez at the Copa America, with the player on form against Paraguay, especially in the first half, and crucial to their chances of success at the tournament.
Rodriguez scored Colombia's second goal in the win over Paraguay, receiving the ball from Edwin Cardona before drilling a low left-footed shot past Paraguay keeper Justo Villar just on the half-hour mark.
The 24-year-old entertained the Colombian-majority crowd in the Rose Bowl with his flicks and touches, but saw his side turn from dominating the first half to holding on at times against a Paraguay side that was much-improved after the break.
Colombia's final Group A is on Saturday in Houston against a Costa Rica side that is virtually eliminated from the tournament after a loss and a draw in their first two Group A matches.