Ben Arfa returns to Newcastle training after two months out

Feb 19, 2013 2:25:00 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.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Terry and Nani wanted by Galatasaray
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind