Rafa Benitez admits it could be next month before Islam Slimani makes his Newcastle United debut.
Slimani has been sidelined with a thigh injury since joining on loan from Leicester City in January.
The striker suffered a setback last month, and the earliest he could feature is against Huddersfield Town on March 31.
United manager Benitez, however, is reluctant to put a date on the Algerian’s comeback.
“I was talking with him,” said Benitez.
“It’s a pity. We thought we were bringing in a player with his experience in the Premier League, his power, he could help.
“But he had a little problem and now we have the same situation and we have to be careful. He’s getting closer.”