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Newcastle United have been handed a major fitness boost with new loan signing Islam Slimani’s thigh injury not as bad as first feared.

Slimani faces a late fitness test ahead of the game with Crystal Palace. The Algeria international has been working with United’s back room team and will be assessed again on Saturday morning before the Sunday clash at Selhurst Park.

But Slimani will almost certainly be fit for the home encounter with Manchester United in the Premier League next weekend.

Speaking on the Leicester City loanee, Rafa Benitez said: “Slimani has been working with the physios and we will see if he is available tomorrow. We have another training session.”

He added: “The thigh injury isn’t as bad as first thought.”

Meanwhile, new goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is set to be in the squad for the game at Palace.

He said: “Dubravka has been training normally but he has not been here long. All the keepers will have the chance to compete.”

And looking ahead to the battle at Selhurst Park, Benitez said “Everybody was upset after the Burnley game because we had enough chances to win. But we didn’t do it, now we have another massive game against Palace. They are a team in the bottom half like us and we have to get the details right to win this game.”