The Bayern Munich player managed a full 90 minutes only three times in the Bundesliga this season and missed four of his club's last five games with various muscular problems. He was also troubled by a calf injury during last year's World Cup in Russia when Colombia were knocked out in the last sixteen.
"We have a personal coach for James and we have 15 days to get him ready for the opening match against Argentina," said coach Carlos Queiroz. "I'd be delighted to have James playing lots of games."
Other players to make the final 23 included Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado and forward Duvan Zapata, who was second topscorer in Italy's Serie A this season and helped unfancied Atalanta qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
The surprise callup was 20-year-old defender Jhon Lucumi who helped Racing Genk win the Belgian league this season.
Colombia will face Argentina, Paraguay and guest team Qatar in their group as they play their first competitive matches under Queiroz, who has replaced Jose Pekerman.
"It's time to work, this is no time to party," said the Portuguese in announcing the squad. "A triumphalist attitude would not be responsible before the competition. We need to be together and aware, with ambition and humility. That's the only way we can fulfil our dreams."
Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Napoli), Alvaro Montero (Deportes Tolima), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali)
Defenders: Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur), Yerry Mina (Everton), Cristian Borja (Sporting), Santiago Arias (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), William Tesillo (Leon), Jhon Lucumi (Racing Genk), Stefan Medina (Monterrey)
Midfielders: Gustavo Cuellar (Flamengo), Mateus Uribe (America-Mexico), Wilmar Barrios (Zenit St Petersburg), Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Edwin Cardona (Pachuca), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)
Forwards: Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Luis Muriel (Fiorentina), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta), Luis Diaz (Atletico Junior), Roger Martinez (America-Mexico)
(Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
