Colombia have confirmed that Radamel Falcao will play no part in their upcoming international encounters against the USA and Slovenia.

The 28-year-old, who is on loan at Manchester United from Monaco, has missed the last three Premier League fixtures with a calf complaint.

There had been fleeting suggestions that the striker would be fit enough to join up with his international teammates, but it has now been revealed that he is not among Jose Pekerman's 25-man selection.

News of Falcao's omission has followed reports from earlier today that after every match he features in, he has to use ice to manage an ongoing knee complaint.

The former Atletico Madrid frontman snapped his cruciate ligament earlier this year - the third serious knee injury of his career - which ruled him out of the World Cup.

United manager Louis van Gaal recently insisted that he was pleased with how Falcao has settled in at Old Trafford, but speculation has hinted that the Red Devils have abandoned plans to sign him on a permanent basis due to growing concerns over his long-term fitness.

Falcao has made five appearances for United this term, from which he has scored one goal.