Newcastle United supporters have been pretty despondent this week after seeing their side comfortably beaten 2-0 by top four chasing Liverpool on Saturday, in turn slipping a place closer to the Premier League relegation zone.
Rafa Benitez’s men went into their encounter with the Merseyside giants unbeaten in their previous four league outings, which included their impressive 1-0 success over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Yet the Magpies weren’t able to pull off another famous scalp on Saturday, although they do remain two points clear of the relegation zone with nine games of the season remaining.
Fans are already turning their attentions towards Saturday’s crucial relegation six-pointer against Southampton at St James’ Park.
However, they are unlikely to be overly thrilled by the news that striker Islam Slimani is ‘highly unlikely’ to feature against the Saints due to an ongoing thigh problem, thus meaning that the 29-year-old’s Magpies debut will likely have to wait at least another few weeks yet ... if he plays at all!
Many (in the know at Leicester) suggested last month that Slimani didn't want to sign for Newcastle, even though he wasn't particularly enjoying life at Leicester either, and now we have to wonder what the Hell is going on.
Is he injured or pulling the wool over Rafa's eyes?
Considering he passed the medical with only a very slight thigh strain, it now appears he won't play again this month!
A waste of space?
Slimani’s recent injury setback means that the Englishman simply must retain his starting berth against the Saints in their crucial relegation six-pointer on Saturday.