Rafael Benitez has said that Salomon Rondon will ‘100%’ be fit enough to start when Everton travel to Brentford this weekend.
As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, the Toffees manager said that the striker had ‘been training well the last two weeks’ and that he was ‘quite confident’ that the Venezuelan would perform.
Everton are down two forward options for their trip to London after Richarlison picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out against Manchester City, earning a one-match suspension. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is already out of action because of a thigh injury.
Rondon an unpopular choice right now
Rondon has endured a difficult start to his Everton career since he joined from Dalian Professional on a free transfer in the summer.
He is yet to open his account for the Blues after eight appearances and, worse still, he has racked up as many yellow cards (one) as he’s had shots on target (via Premier League).
The 32-year-old was also mocked and criticised by numerous supporters when he walked straight down the tunnel at full-time last weekend rather than acknowledging the travelling fans, having already been unpopular among some of the Goodison Park faithful over his unproductive performances.
Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Benitez’s quotes, and here’s how some of their followers responded. A couple let rip at ‘agent Rafa’, seemingly accusing the former Liverpool boss of sabotaging Everton, while another made unflattering comparisons between Rondon and ‘Sunday League’ players.
Everton fans bemoan likely Rondon start
“God help us”
Credit: @jaysmith1878
“Does Rondon have dirt on Benítez or something?! I have seen Sunday League players with more skill and motivation than this dude…”
Credit: @SOSTV1878
“Stuff like this almost makes me believe the agent Rafa stuff”
Credit: @andy_beck77
“Definitely agent Rafa this… he can’t be serious”
Credit: @efcn3
“#rafaOut immediately!!! Playing Delph and saying Rondon is fit, get a grip. Should have never been appointed Everton manager”
Credit: @NickRyanPGALol
“Rafa Benitez has insisted he is ready to start the game with 10 men against Brentford later this week.”
Credit: @WatchedToffee
In other news, many Everton fans have also reacted to Benitez’s comments on this player’s injury.
