As confirmed by the club’s official website in the last few minutes, Salomon Rondon has now been ruled OUT of Saturday’s crucial clash with Leicester at St James’ Park.
The Venezuelan struggled in the first half of last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, with Rafa confirming after the game that he was unable to continue due to ‘tightness’ in his calf.
The club have now confirmed that he has sustained a ‘thigh injury’, with news of his absence almost feeling inevitable after he was nowhere to be seen in training yesterday.
Here’s the statement released on NUFC.co.uk in the last few moments:
‘Salomón Rondón will miss Saturday’s match against Leicester City after sustaining a thigh injury during last weekend’s draw at Crystal Palace.
‘The Venezuelan striker, who is on a season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion, was withdrawn from the match at Selhurst Park at half time.
‘Rondón is undergoing treatment with the Magpies’ medical team and further assessment of the extent of the injury will be made in due course.’
INJURY NEWS: @salorondon23 will miss Saturday's game against @LCFC after sustaining a thigh injury.
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— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 27, 2018
Let’s hope Joselu can step up and deliver another goal at home (or two!).
A nightmare for Rafa, but perhaps this is what happens when you sign a player so late in the window. I’d like to bet this wouldn’t have happened if we got the deal done earlier in the summer and gave him a full pre-season..