Rafa Benitez has confirmed that both Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey are fit and in the squad to face Arsenal on Saturday – with Rondon and Yedlin both training this morning after returning from international duty late on Thursday.
The pair missed our last outing away to Man City, however the international break has come at the perfect time for both, giving them two weeks to recover in time for the visit of Arsenal.
There is still doubts surrounding Rondon and Yedlin’s availability – with both returning from international duty just yesterday – however Rafa has confirmed that both trained this morning.
Here’s what he’s said in his pre-match presser in the last few moments:
“Shelvey and Ritchie are training. There are no big issues – everyone was training.
“We have to decide now who can play, but both Ritchie and Shelvey are in the squad.”
Rafa then said the following when asked about Rondon and Yedlin:
“They trained this morning for the first time (since returning from international duty).
“They are fine but, always after these trips, you have to be careful.”
It’s great news regarding Shelvey and Ritchie, however it seems like we’ll have to wait and see if Rondon and Yedlin are ok to start – with Rafa being the sort of manager who doesn’t like to take risks.
