Tony Pulis fear as Salomon Rondon leaves on latest trip

Boss Tony Pulis hopes international duty will not derail striker Salomon Rondon's progress at Albion.

The Baggies' record signing has travelled to South America to meet up with Venezuela ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Chile.

Rondon has often struggled after returning from long-distance international assignments and is not likely to be back until next Friday, the day before Albion go to Sunderland.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed his most consistent form since last summer's £12million switch from Zenit St Petersburg, scoring half of his eight goals for the season in the last nine games.

And Pulis hopes the latest trip will not set him back.

"When he's come back (from international duty) he's not been as fluid as when he's been here," he said. "He's had a great run of games, we've got him nailed down in respect of what he should be doing, what he shouldn't be doing.

"He's really buddied up close to Saido (Berahino) so they've got a good partnership and good relationship going. It will be difficult, but we won't be the only club that has to put up with it.

"He's got two games, the second game is Chile on the Wednesday. He won't be back until Thursday night or Friday, but what can you do?

"You can't do anything about it. You have to accept it and get on with it."

Pulis has previously admitted Rondon needed time to to adjust to the English game. Though the striker's recent performances have been encouraging, the head coach reckons it will still be next season when fans see the best of him.

"As I've said before, Salomon will be at his best and most consistent next year," he said. "He needs to get used to the country.

"Everything has to fall in place, and players are not like they used to be. They're fragile in lots of respects, especially when they've come from a different country."