According to North-East correspondent Craig Hope, Islam Slimani’s thigh injury is not as serious as first reported, with him stating that there’s an outside chance that he could be involved in Sunday’s game at Crystal Palace.
It was suggested by Sky that the Leicester loanee could face two weeks out, meaning he’d miss Palace away and Man Utd at home next weekend, however the Mail’s Craig Hope has delivered some positive news on the strikers his fitness –
To say Palace away on Sunday is crucial would be an understatement, so Slimani’s presence in the squad would be a handy boost for Benitez and the boys.
Here’s what Craig had to say on Slimani’s injury situation:
I'm told the thigh injury picked up by Islam Slimani this week is not as serious as first reported & there is outside chance he could make NUFC bench at Crystal Palace this weekend, although home match v Man Utd a week Sunday more likely.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 31, 2018
Given Joselu’s lack of composure in front of goal cost us two points against Burnley, it would’ve been a huge boost to have Slimani ready to start on Sunday. It seems he’ll be on the bench at best, however his potential first start as an NUFC player against Man Utd next weekend would give him some introduction to life at St James’ Park.
Rafa will be facing the press later today so we’ll get a better idea of Slimani’s injury situation then.
Here’s hoping! Time’s running out and we need him.
