Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew rules out quick return for Hatem Ben Arfa
Hatem Ben Arfa has suffered a setback in his return from injury, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed.[LNB]The 23-year-old had hoped to make his comeback from a double leg-break against Wolves next month.[LNB]But Pardew admits the forward, who sustained the injury against Manchester City following a horror tackle from midfielder Nigel De Jong, will not be rushed back too soon and may miss out the rest of the campaign.[LNB] Out of action: Hatem Ben Arfa is still recovering from the horror double leg-break he suffered in a challenge with Nigel De Jong[LNB]'I am going to protect him. I can't just throw him in,' said Pardew, confirming that the player's rehabilitaion - most of which has been spent in Paris - will continue over the forthcoming weeks.[LNB]'The Wolves game sound optimistic, even though I'm sure, in his own mind, he has set that as his target.[LNB]'But he is still very much in the process of recovery and he has a long road back. It may even take us into May.[LNB] Comeback trail: Ben Arfa could be available again for Newcastle boss Alan Pardew in May[LNB]'To break both bones in the shin is tough, not just physically, but mentally, too.'[LNB]The France international signed for Newcastle on a permanent deal from Marseille in January despite his bad injury.[LNB]But Ben Arfa did enough to turn his season-long loan into a four-and-a-half year deal at St James' Park after scoring one goal in five appearances at the beginning of the term. [LNB] Tiote reveals why he snubbed Chelsea and stayed with 'welcoming' NewcastleIreland declares himself ready to make Newcastle debut as Barton battles to face EvertonAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Hatem Ben Arfa Places: Newcastle, Paris, France
