The forward may be yet to appear in the black and white, but the sooner he is back the better – regardless of an international break.
It is safe to say Islam Slimani’s move to Newcastle United has not gone to plan so far.
The Leicester City man was signed on loan on deadline day, with the Magpies hoping he would score the goals to fire them to safety, but he has yet to make an appearance.
Rafa Benitez has fortunately seen Matt Ritchie, Kenedy and Dwight Gayle step up to the plate, but he still lacks a proven goalscorer.
Therefore it is frustrating for both the club and the fans to see Slimani depart on international duty and prepare to possibly make his return in Algeria’s colours.
Slimani was not fit enough to even play a part in a friendly on Sunday, yet he is now being considered for his country.
However, this is a development that could well work in Newcastle’s favour as they look to secure Premier League survival when the players return after this break.
There are just eight games left of the season and Slimani cannot play against parent club Leicester, meaning he has seven games to make an impact.
If the forward is to be available for the game against Huddersfield Town at the end of the month, it seems reasonable that he should be battling for a place on the bench at best if he has not seen any action since January.
But Newcastle need a player of Slimani’s quality fit and firing, and so the opportunity for him to get minutes in his legs for Algeria, readying himself for action but not impacting Premier League results with leggy early performances, works well for Benitez.
In many ways, it would be a big issue if Slimani were to return without having played, meaning he again would be a doubt for Huddersfield.
Frustrating as it is, Newcastle stand to benefit from their star forward getting on the pitch this week.
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