Slim fears are soothed

RAFA BENITEZ has been assured Newcastle striker Islam Slimani will not play for Algeria unless he is fully fit.

Slimani has yet to make his debut for the Magpies since arriving on loan from Leicester on January 31.

But he still linked up with his national squad this week.

Benitez, fearing the 29-year-old could aggravate the thigh injury which has ® sidelined him for the past two months, said the situation was “far from ideal.”

But his fears have been eased by Algeria coach Rabah Madjer, who said Slimani is unlikely to play in the friendlies against Tanzania and Iran.

Slimani was with the Newcastle squad which flew to Spain last week but was not involved in an ill-tempered training game against Royal Antwerp on Sunday.

Madjer has promised not to jeopardise his comeback plans, saying: “Islam is training normally but if there is a risk, if he cannot play, we will preserve it for his own interest and the interests of his club.”

Slimani remains doubtful for Newcastle’s next league game at home to Huddersfield on Saturday week. THE FA doubled its profits to £16m last year and invested a record £127m in the game, according to the latest accounts. BURNLEY will head a £10m chase for defender Craig Dawson once West Brom’s likely relegation is confirmed. FORMER Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is facing a possible five years in jail over alleged tax fraud in Spain. SOUTHAMPTON striker Charlie Austin has returned to training after three months out with a hamstring injury. A CONSORTIUM fronted by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling is close to rescuing National League side Hartlepool. Former boss Craig Hignett is poised to become director of football.

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