Islam Slimani moved to Newcastle on loan from Leicester City on deadline day.
Rafa Benitez has claimed in his Newcastle United press conference before Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace, as quoted by the Chronicle, that new signing Islam Slimani could make his debut despite carrying an injury.
Sky Sports claim that prior to his deadline-day move from Leicester City to Newcastle, striker Slimani picked up a thigh injury in training that was expected to keep him sidelined for a fortnight.
The 29-year-old, though, could now feature against Palace as Benitez claimed that he the 29-year-old had been working with the Newcastle physios and will be assessed on Saturday.
Benitez also delivered his verdict on deadline day as a whole, appearing to be happy with the signings that the club have brought to St. James’ Park despite missing out on targets such as Daniel Sturridge and Nicolai Jorgensen.
“Slimani has been working with the physios and we will see if he is available tomorrow. We have another training session,” Benitez said.
“We know deadline day is always busy. It is wrong that we are playing games on that day. We did some good business, brought players in & got some out. It is positive – if the new players perform on the pitch.”
Slimani finally answers Newcastle fans’ calls for a new striker as Joselu and Dwight Gayle continue to struggle in front of goal, while Aleksander Mitrovic has joined Fulham on loan until the end of the season.
The Algeria international could now make his Toon debut if he is able to shake off the muscle injury in time, as the Magpies look to go one better than their 1-1 draw against Burnley – a match that they deserves to win.
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