Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa Set For Sept 10th Return

Hatem Ben Arfa will return to the team in five or six weeks after injuring an ankle against pre-season opposition Kansas City there's some good news for Newcastle United fans today that seems to suggest that prediction is spot on. According to the player's French agent, French midfielder Ben Arfa will return to the North East from France on September 10th to resume training with the squad, putting him on track for a return to action in the middle of the month. Manager Alan Pardew had initially hoped for better news of a speedier return for the skilful playmaker, who was missed in what can reasonably be called a containment performance against Arsenal at the weekend, but stated in the run-up to the game that the Frenchman wouldn't be back this month. Fans have already expressed their doubts over Ben Arfa's overall fitness, with the double-fracture picked up against Manchester City last year threatening to leave a more lasting mark on his psychological state, but news is that he has recovered well from the breaks and is raring to repay the faith shown by the club and the passionate reception he has encountered from the club's fans since he signed, and particularly since his injury. While the fixture away at QPR on Monday 12th September is likely to be too soon, the following Saturday's visit to the midlands and Aston Villa will likely see Ben Arfa pushing for a place on the bench. Oh, and one more thing - it's pronounced Hateem.