Dalian Pro striker Rondon named in Venezuela squad for World Cup qualifiers

CARACAS -- Dalian striker Salomon Rondon and Torino midfielder Tomas Rincon are among 39 players named in Venezuela's preliminary squad for the start of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro also included Brescia defender Jhon Chancellor and Malaga pair Mikel Villanueva and Juan Anor.

The squad will be reduced to 23 players ahead of the Vinotinto's first South American zone qualifier against Colombia in Barranquilla on March 27. They will host Paraguay in the Andean city of Merida four days later.

Peseiro, 59, was named Venezuela's head coach in January following the resignation of Rafael Dudamel.

Venezuela are the only South American Football Confederation member to have never appeared at a World Cup finals.