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Newcastle United fans react to Islam Slimani news

Sporting's forward Islam Slimani celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play-off first leg match between Sport...
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Newcastle United fans are shocked over Islam Slimani’s call-up for Algeria.

Leicester City's Algerian striker Islam Slimani (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Leicester...

Newcastle United fans on Twitter have lamented the decision by Algeria to hand injured striker Islam Slimani a call-up for international duty this month.

The Leicester City-owned ace hasn’t kicked a ball for Newcastle since joining for a loan fee of £1.5 million in January due to a calf injury.

Nevertheless, Algeria coach Rabah Madjer has named Slimani – who hasn’t played in two months – in his preliminary squad for friendlies with Tanzania and Iran during the international break.

According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle aren’t “overly confident” that the 29-year-old will be fit for the massive clash with Huddersfield Town on March 31.

And news of his call-up has been met with a combination of confusion and anger from the St James’s Park faithful.

Sporting's forward Islam Slimani celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play-off first leg match between Sporting CP and CSKA Moscow at Estadio Jose...

Newcastle might not need Slimani to save them from relegation after all.

Rafael Benitez’s side are five points clear of the drop zone and, for now, it would be a bit of a shock if they were to be relegated, but their less precarious situation does not detract from a very odd decision regarding Slimani.