Newcastle manager: Islam Slimani has a chance to play against Man United

Islam Slimani (right) battles for the ball with Sunderland's Lamine Kone (left) during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland.

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Feb 07, 2018. 12:00

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that Algerian striker Islam Slimani has “a chance” of making his debut this weekend when they host Manchester United.

Slimani joined the Magpies on loan from Leicester City at the end of the January transfer window, but injury prevented him from playing in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend.

Yet he is expected to be fit to face the Red Devils at St James’ Park on Sunday, February 11, with Benitez knowing that his side will need a target man upfront who is capable of holding up the ball.

"He [Slimani] was not ready [for the match against Palace]," said the Panish manager, as quoted by the Chronicle Live.

"He was training on Saturday, he will train tomorrow, and he will have a chance for next Sunday. He must compete, like [Martin] Dubravka and Kenedy."