|
|
Newcastle midfielder Ben Arfa ruled out until end of season
Mar 15, 2013 1:07:00 PM
The France international made a comeback in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Anzhi Makhachkala, but a recurrence of his hamstring problem will require an operation
Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has been ruled out until the end of the season with a hamstring injury.The France international was out for 12 weeks before making a comeback against Anzhi Makhachkala in the first leg of the Magpies' Europa League tie, but aggravated the injury during the match.
 |
|
| EUROPA LEAGUE LATEST |
|
| 16/1 | Newcastle are 16/1 with Bet365 to win the Europa League this season |
"He needs an operation on his hamstring and he could miss the rest of the year," Alan Pardew told reporters.
"It is terrible news. Hatem gives us the x factor and will be a big miss."
However, Pardew did have better news regarding Yohan Cabaye, who he says has "half a chance" of playing against Wigan on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle defeated Anzhi thanks to a 93rd-minute winner from Papiss Cisse, and have drawn Benfica in the quarter-finals of the Europa League - a tie Pardew is positive about winning.
"It's a great draw for us," the manager told the club's official website. "The Estadio da Luz is a great venue. I've been there and it's a fantastic stadium.
"Importantly, we are at home in the second leg and that will give us an advantage. I'm sure we will have a full house for that.
"After what the stadium was like last night [against Anzhi], I know it will be another brilliant atmosphere, and let's hope we can bring a result back from Benfica in the first leg."
| 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! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
-
Cartoon: Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
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
-
-
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
