Everton striker Salomon Rondon will not be part of the Venezuela squad this month
Everton have been handed a selection boost for their games against Burnley and Aston Villa with Salomon Rondon not having to quarantine.
The new Toffees player was initially named in the squad but representing them in this international break would see him having to quarantine for 10 days under the UK government guidelines for red list countries.
However, he will not play for them, with the official handle for the Venezuelan team sharing his explanation on Twitter.
He said, “I’m sorry I can’t defend the colours of Venezuela in this call. You know how much it hurts not to be with you, but I trust my teammates and I hope to play with them soon.”
The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland then explained the 31-year-old’s reasons behind it.
Advantage Everton
The Toffees have looked thin in their attacking options this season and will welcome Rondon’s availability.
While the Venezuela international is unlikely to be a starter in either of the two games, he is certainly an option that Rafa Benitez can throw on off the bench if things are not going per plan.
He’s a strong and technical player who’s got a few years of experience playing in the Premier League.
Rondon’s former teammate Matt Richie also was blown away by the striker in 2019.
Speaking on talkSPORT [18/03/19, 12:20 pm], the Newcastle United winger said: “He has been fantastic, great character, not only that but his goals, he is priceless really. He has been fantastic since the day he walked in the door.”
The Venezuelan has also worked with Benitez previously at Newcastle so the two know what they can expect from each other.
While his signing may not have excited the fans a great deal, they must understand that the club is in a bit of a bother on the financial end and they had to look for the cheapest options.
In other Everton news, Ian Wright shares what ‘People are already saying’ about new Toffees ace Demarai Gray
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