Rafa Benitez has said that he needs to see Islam Slimani’s quality in training before he gets a regular spot as a number nine for Newcastle United, as per HITC.
The Toon were desperate for a striker during the January transfer window, due to the forward duo of Ayoze Perez and Joselu only scoring six goals between them this campaign.
On deadline day, Slimani travelled up north to St. James’ Park and made a loan move until the end of the season, but has not featured in black and white yet.
He arrived with a slight injury which has kept him out of the side, meaning Dwight Gayle has been featuring up top for the Magpies.
During the international break, Slimani showed he is nearing the end of the injury, playing half an hour for Algeria against Iran.
This has put the striker in hope to making his Newcastle United debut in the next game at home to Huddersfield Town.
Benitez has said about the Slimani situation and the upcoming Huddersfield match (via HITC):
He has confidence in himself, which is positive, but he has to show us this in the training sessions and with his country, then we will see what happens against Huddersfield.
