Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that Islam Slimani is in line to make his debut for the club this weekend against Manchester United.

The forward signed for the Magpies on transfer deadline day last month on a loan deal from Leicester City.

Slimani arrived at St James' Park with a thigh injury, which meant that he was left out of the squad that drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at the weekend.

On Sunday, though, the North-East outfit could hand the forward his debut as his injury is not as bad as initially feared.

"He was training on Saturday, he will train, and he will have a chance for next Sunday" The Shields Gazette quotes Benitez as saying. "He must compete, like [Martin] Dubravka and Kenedy."

Slimani has started just two Premier League games this season.

Written by
Danielle Joynson