Source: Daily_Mail
Nigel De Jong wants to meet Hatem Ben Arfa a year after breaking his leg
Manchester City enforcer Nigel de Jong has asked to meet Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa when the Magpies head across the Pennines on Saturday.[LNB]The Frenchman suffered a double leg fracture in a challenge by the Holland international the last time they went head-to-head on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium in October 2010.[LNB]Ben Arfa has only just returned to action and manager Alan Pardew today sat him down to ask him if the psychological impact of returning to the scene of his agonising misfortune was a concern.[LNB] Lunge: De Jong's tackle on Ben Arfa which broke his leg[LNB] Pardew said: 'I had a conversation with him this morning about it because I think you could carry some demons when you have an injury like that.[LNB]'But he was absolutely clear to me this morning that he has no problem about going back there, no problem about facing their particular player.[LNB]'The player has contacted him, which I appreciate as the manager of the other team, and he wants to see Hatem. We have said after the game would be a good time, not before.[LNB] Comeback trail: Ben Arfa finds Newcastle in good health upon his return[LNB]'Hopefully, that will then come to rest. At the time, I thought - and I wasn't the manager at the time - it was a bad tackle, but they do happen in the game and unfortunately Hatem suffered a severe injury.[LNB]'What I do know is, a year down the line - and it has taken that long - he is back somewhere near his best, and that's good news for us.'[LNB]Ben Arfa could find himself involved as the Premier League leaders entertain the surprise occupants of third place with Leon Best struggling to shake off a groin problem.[LNB]However, there will be no place for compatriot Sylvain Marveaux.[LNB]The winger, like Best, suffered a groin injury during the 2-1 victory over Everton on November 5, and is now facing surgery which will sideline him for some time.[LNB]Pardew said: 'He will have an operation this week, probably. That could be a while.'[LNB]The Magpies boss was holding his first press conference since the club's announcement that they are to press ahead with controversial plans to sell the naming rights to their stadium, which in the meantime will be referred to as the Sports Direct Arena rather than St James' Park.[LNB]Meanwhile, the club today confirmed that 19-year-old England Under-21 international Sammy Ameobi, the younger brother of striker Shola, has signed a new three and a half-year contract.[LNB] Ameobi's rapid rise continues as striker Sammy signs three-and-a-half-year Newcastle dealTiote faces a fight to be fit as Newcastle's injury concerns grow for Manchester City gameHistory boy: Barry is England's 2,000th scorer after ref favours midfielder over Sweden winnerAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinionAll the latest Man City news, features and opinion [LNB]
