Islam Slimani Still Not Fit for Debut

Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Slimani has sustained an injury in training that will further keep him out of the lineup. The much anticipated debut will be put off once again and it is believed another two weeks will pass before Slimani will be re-examined and match fit.

In hindsight this signing does not look too good. Help over the top is what Newcastle needs as soon as possible and having a player who is constantly injured certainly does not help. With the departure of Mitrovic, things may look bad. But not everything is negative. The Toon did in fact just beat Manchester United and surely can put in more performances like that under Rafa Benitez.

Rafa had this to say about the matter, “Everyone was expecting him to make the difference, but after the game against Manchester United we at least feel we have enough quality in the squad.” Rafa still has confidence that this will not be a loss that derails the season.

With our last performance against Manchester United, this setback isn’t drastic and a win against Bournemouth is definitely still attainable. Although it would have been nice to see Slimani play for the Toon, we will have to wait.