Injured Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has revealed he calls his team-mates before every game to offer them his encouragement.
The Frenchman has been sidelined after he sustained a double-leg fracture following a tackle by Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong, bu is positive about his recovery.
“I am doing well in my recovery but the process is slow,” the 23 year-old told talkSPORT.
Ben Arfa, on a season-long loan from French side Marseille, is supporting his Newcastle team-mates as he continues with his recuperation.
"Every game before kick off I call my colleagues and give them encouragement," he added.
"I then talk to the captain [Kevin Nolan]. It's a shame I am not able to help but the doctors are giving me a lot of hope and comforting me with this injury."
The midfielder had been in impressive form prior to his injury, and hit a stunning winner away at Everton in September.
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