NEWCASTLE: Islam Slimani to miss Southampton - and might not be available to face Huddersfield either

Slimani will not be involved in tomorrow’s home game with relegation rivals Southampton, having already missed four games since joining Newcastle on loan from Leicester on transfer-deadline day.

The Algeria international was already suffering from a thigh injury when he arrived on Tyneside, and the problem is proving extremely slow to heal.

After taking on Southampton tomorrow, Newcastle have a three-week gap without a game before hosting Huddersfield on March 31. Slimani should be involved against the Terriers, although at this stage, his participation is still far from guaranteed.

Benitez said: “I was talking with him (Slimani) two or three days ago, and was also speaking half an hour ago again. He is improving and going well.

“We don’t want to say that Huddersfield is the game for him, but in terms of time, maybe he will be okay for this game. We will have to wait and see.”

Jonjo Shelvey has been struggling with a knee problem for the majority of the week, but the midfielder is winning his battle to play in tomorrow’s game.

Benitez said: “Shelvey who was a doubt has been training, but we have to be careful with him and decide for tomorrow.

“Slimani is still the same, Elliot is not available and Gamez cannot play either. The other players are fine.”

With no game for three weeks because of the FA Cup quarter-finals and the international break, Benitez will take his players to Spain next week for a four-day training break that will include a friendly fixture against Spanish opposition.

The Magpies manager said: “I am not too bothered about going to Spain for the sun – I can do that any time - but 21 days is too many without a game.

“We needed to do something so we will go for four days to Spain. Not too long, no parties, but we will train and have a competitive game and then come back. The idea is to go next weekend, try to play a game, and then come back.”