Ben Arfa returns to Newcastle training after two months out

19-Feb-2013 7:55:00 PM

The French winger has had an injury-interrupted 2012-13 season due to hamstring problems but has handed Alan Pardew a boost ahead of his side's European clash with Metalist Kharkiv

Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to full first-team training with Newcastle United after almost two months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

The Frenchman has, when fit, been a standout performer in a stuttering Magpies side this season, but after various injury concerns all campaign he has not been seen in a black and white shirt since scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Fulham in December.

However, with the Magpies set to face Metalist Kharkiv for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, Ben Arfa has boosted Alan Pardew's options.

"We are looking well and Hatem Ben Arfa has come back," Pardew told Sky Sports.

"I am sure our fans are looking forward to hearing that and we had our full squad training which is great."

Ben Arfa is expected to fill a place on the substitutes’ bench as Newcastle travel to Ukraine to look to advance in the Europe following a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.

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