Newcastle United’s Islam Slimani is highly unlikely to make his debut against Southampton on Saturday despite training alone in Algeria in a bid to get fit, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim that the Magpies are hopeful that the 29-year-old will be able to make his first appearance for the club against Huddersfield Town on March 31 instead.
The Chronicle report that the only issue that could affect him making his debut against the Terriers is the fact Algeria could name Slimani in their squad for the friendlies against Tanzania, Gambia and Iran.
It is believed that Rafa Benitez would be reluctant to let the centre-forward go on international duty but Algeria manager Rabah Madjer could still try to select him.
Slimani joined the Magpies on loan from Leicester City in January and is yet to appear for Benitez’s side due to a thigh injury.
OPINION
The Chronicle’s report shared that even if Slimani is fit enough to feature against the Terriers, the most appearances he could make for the Magpies this season is seven. This is unacceptable, but not Slimani’s fault. The 29-year-old’s injury has proven that the club clearly failed to sign the necessary firepower in January to guarantee their Premier League safety this season. The Magpies sit dangerously close to the bottom three, ahead of an important game against the Saints, and it’s hard to see who in their side is capable of scoring the goals needed to win vital games such as the one on Saturday. Dwight Gayle scored a brace recently, but his general performances this season, have shown that he cannot be relied upon.