James Rodríguez Left Off Atlético Nacional's Squad List for Águilas Doradas Clash

Everyone already knew Atlético Nacional would host Águilas Doradas this Sunday, September 13, at the Atanasio Girardot. What actually caused a stir was something else: the name missing from the squad list Lucas González submitted for matchday 10 of the 2026-II BetPlay League. James Rodríguez is out. And no, there's no drama behind the decision: the midfielder just arrived at the club as one of the most talked about signings of the season and still doesn't have the match rhythm or physical readiness needed to debut in the green and white jersey. Fans will have to wait one more matchday to see him on the field, though the anxiety among supporters is completely understandable: it's not every day a player with James's résumé arrives to strengthen a Colombian club. Beyond that absence, which is grabbing all the headlines, Lucas González called up 20 players and showed he can rely on some heavyweight names. Milton Casco, Edwin Cardona and Alfredo Morelos are all on the list, three players with enough pedigree to make a difference in any match in the local league.

The Team's Other Absences

James isn't the only absence that needs explaining. Nacional also won't be able to count on Jorman Campuzano, Nicolás Rodríguez or Elkin Rivero, all three sidelined with injuries. These absences force the coaching staff to shuffle pieces in midfield and defense, though the squad still has enough depth to avoid disrupting the team's overall performance. In goal will be Armani and Marquínez, while the back line is made up of Nicolás Parra, Tesillo, Reyes, Román, Velásquez and Casco himself. In midfield, Zapata, Cabrera, Cardona, Rengifo, Rojas and Ríos give the group a variety of profiles to build the midfield depending on what the opponent demands. Up front, Arango, Kevin Parra, Moreno, Sarmiento, Poveda and Morelos are the attacking options Lucas González has to find a goal against Águilas Doradas. Will this squad be enough to grab all three points and stay in the mix on the table? With Morelos as the reference striker and Cardona running the show in midfield, Nacional has the arguments to take charge at home. What's certain is that, with or without James on the field, the Atanasio is getting ready to host a team that needs the points just as much as its own fans need patience to finally see the most anticipated Colombian of the season make his debut.