BARRANQUILLA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Influential midfielder James Rodriguez could return to Colombia's starting lineup for the team's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, manager Nestor Lorenzo said on Monday.

James was limited to a 30-minute cameo in Colombia's 3-2 away defeat to Uruguay on Friday due to an unspecified muscle injury.

Lorenzo said the 33-year-old had resumed full training ahead of Tuesday's clash at Barranquilla's Estadio Metropolitano.

"James has been progressing favorably," the Argentine coach said. "We'll see how he is today and tomorrow."

Colombia is currently third in the 10-team South American zone qualifying standings with 19 points from 11 games, three points ahead of fifth-placed Ecuador.

Lorenzo said he could not fault his players' commitment during their loss to Uruguay in Montevideo.

"There's no doubt that we paid the price for not pressing as well as we should have," he said. "But that can happen. I can't blame the team's attitude. Uruguay never really outplayed us." Enditem

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