The Venezuelan forward is reportedly a doubt for this weekend’s six-pointer between Newcastle and Southampton.
Rondon is yet to score his first goal in black and white following his loan move from West Brom, but remains one of the most talented players in the Saints’ squad.
However he is reportedly struggling for fitness and could miss the game against Mark Hughes’ team, which has been earmarked as a must-win game for both sides.
This is good news for Southampton fans as Rondon offers a good physical presence when he plays, something which the Saints’ defence has famously struggled with over the past 18 months. Granted, Southampton improved at the back against Bournemouth but they have still been dangerously fragile against stronger forwards.
Newcastle are currently bottom of the table while Saints are 16th thanks to their one win of the season over Crystal Palace at the start of last month.
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Southampton have Danny Ings to thank for their few Premier League points this season whereas Newcastle have struggled to score at all – Rondon is yet score in four league appearances.
However, as mentioned, he is a great aerial presence and despite recent form Southampton remain fragile against strikers who can head a ball – we saw this last season against the likes of Glenn Murray and Olivier Giroud.
Mark Hughes’ side still have to face four of the big six before the turn of the year meaning games against teams like Newcastle need to result in points on the board. This will be a lot more achievable with Rondon a doubt.
The draw against Bournemouth is a step in the right direction with the Cherries being in a rich vein of form but the Saints need to start getting wins else they could be looking at another season fighting relegation.