Islam Slimani travels to Spain with Newcastle to step up his comeback bid

Islam Slimani has travelled to Spain with his Newcastle United team-mates '“ after proving his fitness to Rafa Benitez.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Mar 2018, 11:47 BST

Updated 15th Mar 2018, 12:00 BST

The on-loan striker has been sidelined with a thigh injury since joining the club.

However, Slimani has a chance of being fit for the March 31 game against Huddersfield Town at St James's Park.

And the 29-year-old today travelled to Spain with his team-mates ahead of Sunday's friendly against Royal Antwerp at the Pinatar Arena.

Speaking last week, United manager Benitez said: "We will have to decide if he comes with us to Spain.

“We can say Huddersfield is the idea, but maybe he’ll be feeling something. Now, he’s on the pitch with the fitness coach, but it depends on him."

Slimani – who suffered a "setback" last month – has been called up by Algeria for the March 22 game against Tanzania and a March 27 fixture against Iran.