Falcao to return for Emirates Cup

Falcao to return for Emirates Cup

 In the final phase of recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury, Monaco's Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao should return to action in next weekend's Emirates Cup in London, according to new ASM coach Leonardo Jardim.

Monaco's star striker Radamel Falcao has endured a tough year after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments in January, missing out on the second half of the season as well as narrowly failing in his bid to be fit and take part in Colombia's successful turn in the World Cup in Brazil, but the 28-year-old is now on the verge of a return to action.

Jardim: 'I'm counting on him'

Quizzed on the state of affairs of a side that has just seen star playmaker James Rodriguez leave for Real Madrid in exchange for €80m, new Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has announced that Falcao, on whose shoulders considerable responsibility will sit in the season ahead, should be back in action next weekend as Monaco do battle with Valencia and Arsenal in a pre-season tournament in London.

"I think he will be able to start playing again in the Emirates Cup; he is in the final phase of his recovery," said the former Sporting coach, who declined to speculate on persistent rumours that Falcao could follow compatriot James to the Spanish capital or move to England with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United or Manchester City. "For the moment, he is still a Monaco player and I'm counting on him."