Newcastle United striker Islam Slimani has joined on loan from Leicester City.
Slimani joined Newcastle from Leicester City in the January transfer window, but he has still not featured.
The Algerian striker has been out injured ever since signing, with the target-man suffering a set-back in his recovery.
However, Slimani has travelled to Newcastle with Spain for warm weather training.
The striker did not feature in Newcastle’s friendly match against Royal Antwerp, which finished as a 1-1 draw.
But Benitez insists that Slimani is still positive about his chances of featuring at St. James’ Park.
“He’s quite positive,” said Benitez.
“He’s desperate to play. We will see how many minutes, if he can play. “If everything is fine, he will be the one with the doctors there who will say he’s OK.”
Slimani has actually been called into the Algeria squad for the upcoming international break, and Newcastle will hope that his condition doesn’t worsen while representing his nation.
If Slimani does return for Newcastle it will be a major boost for their attacking quality.
Newcastle are due to take on Huddersfield in two weeks’ time, when they are next in competitive action, and Slimani may just make it back in time to make his debut.
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