Newcastle vs Arsenal - Islam Slimani hoping for first Newcastle start against Arsenal
Posted Saturday, April 14, 2018 by PA
Loan signing Islam Slimani will hope for a first start for Newcastle as Arsenal head for St James’ Park on Sunday.
The Leicester frontman belatedly made his debut for the Magpies as a late substitute against Huddersfield a fortnight ago, but was ineligible to play against his parent club last weekend and will be looking to force his way into manager Rafael Benitez’s thoughts.
Benitez otherwise has no fresh injury problems as he looks for a fourth successive win which would take Newcastle past his survival target of 40 points.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will be hoping to be involved despite a deep cut on his leg.
The Wales midfielder had the gash stapled closed during Thursday’s Europa League draw at CSKA Moscow and managed to play for the remainder of the match, while Jack Wilshere took a kick to his ankle but also seems likely to feature.
Granit Xhaka may return after missing the game in Russia through illness, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang comes back into the fold having been cup-tied. David Ospina (ankle) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knee) miss out.
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