Islam Slimani has been called up for Algeria for their next international friendlies, despite the fact he has not kicked a ball for Newcastle yet.
The Algerian joined Newcastle on loan in January from Leicester City, but has not yet made an appearance due to a calf injury.
Despite this, the striker has been called up for the Algeria squad to face Tanzania and Iran in friendlies. They have not qualified for this summer’s World Cup.
The Northern Echo are reporting that the club are yet to decide to fly the striker out to Spain with the rest of the squad for a four day training camp, with his fitness still under question.
Newcastle are confident that Slimani will be able to make his debut in the crucial game with Huddersfield Town on the 31st March. However, they would be reluctant to let Slimani go on international duty at this point in his recovery.
The Algerian joined Newcastle in January. Slimani struggled to find form with Leicester, only featuring in cup games this season.
