Newcastle United have gone from surprise package to fallen giant as their season coughs and splutters into life. The Toon Army’s treatment table is littered with a number of high-profile names but none more important than French international Hatem Ben Arfa.
The 25-year-old highlighted his sublime ability with a stunning strike at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago, but has since been confined to the sidelines with a troublesome hamstring injury. Alan Pardew will be hoping to add to his squad in January but the expected return of Ben Arfa in the New Year may just feel like a new signing in itself.
