Fat chance of Slimani playing
NEWCASTLE face a club versus country stand-off with Algeria over crocked striker Islam Slimani.
The 29-year-old is yet to play since arriving on loan from Leicester. A thigh problem sidelined him for six weeks, and a setback in training has ruled him out for two more games.
Despite not kicking a ball in anger since mid-January, Algeria are keen for Slimani to link up with the national squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Gambia and a friendly against Iran. Toon boss Rafa Benitez said: “We’ve been cautious with him because he arrived with an injury.”