Salomon Rondon confirms he will snub November international games
Everton striker Salomon Rondon has confirmed he will not be available for this month’s international games with Venezuela due to fitness issues.
The 32-year-old joined the Toffees on summer transfer deadline day, but he has struggled to impress having not undergone pre-season preparations.
Venezuela play their final World Cup qualifiers this month, coming up against Ecuador and Peru, but the Everton striker will stay behind in England to continue working at Finch Farm in order to reach peak condition.
Rondon took to his personal Instagram account on Monday afternoon to send a message to his countrymen.
He wrote: “It is difficult to put into words so much feeling. For me, the national team is not a moment, nor an opportunity. It’s my place, it’s my flag, my heart.
“It hurts me every time I can’t be a part of it and it’s very difficult to see it from afar. But I have to be honest with myself and with that shirt that I love and value so much: I am not in the fullness that I would like to be able to give myself to the maximum and defend it as it deserves right now.
“My arrival in England at the last minute, without preseason, and a string of games that affected me more than necessary put me in this situation.
“I want and desire to put myself one hundred percent physically to give myself to the maximum as I have always been known. And in this way, to be able to soon be wearing the burgundy colors that I love so much and that my teammates will undoubtedly defend to the fullest in these two games that we play.
“From afar, but with the heart there.
“With the group.”
Much-needed
Venezuela are bottom of South America’s World Cup qualifications group, and their chances of booking a place at the 2022 tournament are almost non-existent.
Rondon has missed the qualifiers since moving to Everton, and with the next two games of no significance, it makes sense for him to avoid the stress of the long journey.
The Blues face Manchester City immediately after the break, and the striker will be unavailable for selection should he travel to South America.
Rafa Benitez’s side are light in attack at the moment with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still on the injury sidelines, and they cannot afford to be without another striker for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Rondon has played eight games across all competitions for the Toffees, but he is yet to score or assist.
Not being part of their pre-season preparations definitely played its role in his struggles, and some sessions over the next fortnight should help him become sharper heading into the festive period.
Everton will be hoping to pick up a win against Manchester City having lost three and drawn one of their last four league games, and the South American could make an impact in the game.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports has been left to rue big Toffees decision amid £3.6billion investment.
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