Rafa Benitez: Islam Slimani has a chance to help Newcastle

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Feb 27, 2018. 12:00

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has maintained his belief that Algerian striker Islam Slimani can “help” the club.

The 29-year-old has yet to play for the Magpies since joining on loan from Leicester City in January, with a thigh injury keeping him sidelined.

Benitez has been encouraged by the work of his other strikers, but believes Slimani will still be valuable player once he is fit and firing.

"We have to see if Slimani is fit first. If he is fit, we will see," said Benitez when asked if Slimani can make an impact on Tyneside.

"But Dwight, Ayoze [Perez] and Joselu, if they continue working like they worked in the week, and then afterwards they score goals, that will be very good. Then Slimani will have to compete for his position.

"Hopefully, he will be another body and before the end of the season, he will be another one who can help."