January loan signing Islam Slimani is yet to kick a ball Newcastle United, however Algeria have called the striker up to their squad for the upcoming international break next week – a move that has left a few NUFC fans incensed.
The Chronicle have admitted that Slimani could yet withdraw due to his ongoing thigh injury, however his involvement could be set to cause a club vs country row – especially if he returned having aggravated the injury.
As we know, he’s yet to make a single matchday squad since completing a deadline day loan move from Leicester and and has been pencilled in for a return to action in our next game at home to Huddersfield on March 31st.
It’s not yet known if he’ll feature in the pre-season friendly against Royal Antwerp on Sunday, but it’s little surprise to see NUFC fans annoyed at the idea of him playing for his country before his club.
Algeria play Tanzania next Thursday (March 22nd) and Iran on Tuesday March 27th, so whilst any involvement would suggest he is on the road to recovery, it could also set him back.
Here’s some reactions to the news from NUFC fans:
Imagine if Slimani plays for Algeria and gets crocked. Be just our luck.
— Michael (@mquinnNUFC) March 14, 2018
Ridiculous!
— Ian (@geordieexile) March 14, 2018
Seriously? Sir Alex wouldn’t have allowed it back in the day.
— James DeMarco (@jazadal) March 14, 2018
now that’s a **** take
— 9 December 1892 (@ChrisMc1892) March 14, 2018
A few have suggested that it’s a good sign, believing it shows that he’s nearing full fitness, however the general consensus are understandably frustrated and wary of him making the injury worse.
It will be interesting to see what Rafa has to say about it all..
If he choose to go and play then gets further damage he should be forced to pay back all monies involved in his transfer!! If our highly qualified expert doctors and physio’s are saying “unfit” then he’s not fit to play. Also if injured while playing against medical advice would surely invalidate any type of insurance in him.
Bill(Quote)