Source: PA
Ben Arfa injury a cruel blow - Hughton
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has spoken of his devastation at the loss of flying winger Hatem Ben Arfa with a double leg fracture just four games into his career in England.
The 23-year-old France international underwent a successful operation to repair the damage at Manchester Royal Infirmary on Monday morning.
Ben Arfa suffered fractures to the tibia and fibula of his left leg in a challenge by Nigel de Jong in Sunday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester City.
Hughton said: "I am absolutely devastated for Hatem. To get injured at any time is bad enough, but to suffer such an horrendous injury as a double leg break is sickening for the lad.
"After playing only a handful of games for us, scoring a cracking goal at Everton and doing fantastically well, it's a cruel and devastating blow for Hatem, and for the club as a whole. All the lads are devastated for him as well.
"I know many of them have already been in touch with him to check he's doing okay, and that's great. On the plus side, I am delighted to hear from the hospital that the operation was successful and now it's just a case of nursing him back to fitness."
