Algeria coach Rabah Madjer has confirmed that Islam Slimani will NOT play against in his side’s upcoming friendlies unless he is ‘100 per cent fit’ – coming as reassuring news for Benitez and NUFC fans concerned he may aggravate his thigh injury.
Benitez admitted earlier in the week that Slimani was going away with Algeria for the upcoming international break, stating that the club have been in touch with their doctors to ensure he follows the program set for his rehabilitation.
Rafa admitted he was powerless to stopping Slimani travelling with the national squad ahead of upcoming games against Tanzania and Iran, however Algeria coach Rabah Madjer has confirmed that he will not risk the NUFC striker if he is not fully fit:
“Islam trains normally, but if there is a risk, if he can not play, we will preserve it for his interest and the interest of his club,”
Rabah Madjer confirms Newcastle striker Slimani will not play against Tanzania or Iran if he is not 100 per cent fit. "Islam trains normally, but if there is a risk, if he can not play, we will preserve it for his interest and the interest of his club," the #ALG coach said. #NUFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) March 20, 2018
This is good to hear, with Madjer clearly respecting the fact we are anxious to have the 29-year-old back fit after failing to kick a ball for the club since making a deadline day loan move to Tyneside in January.
Hopefully he features for them. Why? Because it’ll signal that he is ‘100 per cent’ fit – meaning he’ll be in with a shout of returning against Huddersfield for his NUFC debut a week on Saturday.
