Rafa Benitez has hinted that new loan signing Islam Slimani might be fit enough to make his Newcastle debut against Manchester United on Sunday.
Slimani arrived on Tyneside on Deadline Day with a minor thigh injury picked up during a training session with parent club Leicester and missed the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace at the weekend; a game that highlighted the lack of cutting edge up front for Newcastle.
It was Benitez who made the call to leave Slimani at home alongside out-of-form striker Joselu, who was suffering from a virus, but suggested the Algeria international could feature against Jose Mourinho’s side at St James’ Park.
“He was not ready,” Benitez told the Shields Gazzette. “He was training on Saturday, he will train (Monday), and he will have a chance for next Sunday.
“He must compete, like (Martin) Dubravka and Kenedy.”
Benitez is also sweating on the fitness of key defender Ciaran Clark after the centre-back sustained a knee injury at Selhurst Park and is a doubt for the Red Devils clash with the Newcastle medical team currently assessing the injury.
“He took a blow to the knee, but I think it’s too early for me to say,” Benitez added. “We have to wait and see, but I don’t see it as a big issue.
Fortunately for Benitez, Florian Lejeune returned to the bench at Palace after a month out and will slot in alongside captain Jamal Lascelles should Clark be deemed unable to play.
