Some great news has emerged from Rafa Benitez’s pre-match press conference today, with him confirming that Salomon Rondon is fit and back in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Southampton.
His return to the team will be a huge boost to Newcastle in what is almost a must win game down on the South Coast – however it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll start.
The powerful Venezuelan forward was a key transfer target for Benitez all summer and due to the Newcastle hierarchy dragging their heels getting the deal done and then subsequent injury, the former West Brom man has not really got going on Tyneside.
After being spotted back in training this week, here’s what Rafa’s had to say about his fitness today – confirming that he’s back in the squad:
“Rondon is fit and he is in the squad.
“We thought he was fit and it was a pity what happened for him at Crystal Palace.
“Now he is fit hopefully he can stay fit for a while and at least increase competition for the team.”
He showed promise with a great goal in the League Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest and certainly offers far more threat than Joselu, who isn’t going to score the goals to keep us up.
Fans will want to see Rondon partner Muto after his fine goal recently at Old Trafford and whatever XI Rafa goes with, his return to the fold is a massive boost.
Newcastle were burned last year with the loan of Slimani who barely featured due to injury, so let’s hope Rondon can stay fit and fire us to safety – starting tomorrow.
Fit to play 45 mins u meant no doubt
Steve(Quote)
A forward who hasn’t scored a single league goal is fit? Hardly “great” news.
When the manager is saying he hopes the player can at least increase competition within the squad that’s hardly an endorsement of the players form or ability.
Brrrian(Quote)
Wow not sure that should be headlined as Rafa sharing brilliant news.
Only 2 things Rafa could share as great news are:
A) he has signed a new contract
B) I am going to play 4-4-2
A striker who didn’t get a game ahead of Joselu earlier in season being declared fit is not what I call brilliant !!!
Anyways good luck today boys.
David(Quote)