Striker’s finally ready to set this Toon alight

NEWCASTLE fans will finally get to see Islam Slimani in a Toon shirt this weekend – two months after the striker joined on loan from Leicester.

Slimani has been sidelined with a thigh injury since arriving at St James’ Park at the end of January.

But boss Rafa Benitez is set to include him in the Magpies’ squad for Saturday’s home game against relegation rivals Huddersfield. The Algerian came off the bench to play 25 minutes for his country in their 2-1 defeat against Iran on Tuesday night – his first competitive action since New Year’s Day, when he scored for Leicester against Tottenham.

Slimani reported no ill-effects from his run-out but will still be assessed by Newcastle’s medical team before Benitez (right) makes a final decision.

If, as expected, he is given the all-clear, the striker is set for a place on the bench.

Tally

Slimani was brought in to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Serb joining Fulham on loan on deadline day.

But while the 29-year-old has spent the last few weeks on the treatment table, Mitrovic has been banging in the goals for club and country.

His double for the World Cup-bound Serbs against Nigeria took his tally to nine in 12 games since moving to Craven Cottage.

But his rich vein of form won’t persuade Benitez to give him another chance, having already made up his mind that Mitrovic doesn’t figure in his long-term plans.

While the former Anderlecht forward has been finding the net regularly in the Championship, the Newcastle boss does not believe he ® can cut it in the Premier League. Benitez will be in the market for a proven goalscorer this summer and someone capable of playing in the No.10 role, but it’s almost certain Mitrovic will be sold.

Newcastle expect Matt Ritchie, who has scored in the last two home games, to be fit for Saturday after pulling out of Scotland’s win in Hungary with a groin strain.