Pardew Won't Hurry Ben Arfa

28 February 2013 12:52
Fit-again Hatem Ben Arfa has a fight on his hands to get into the Newcastle United first team at Swansea on Saturday.

The Winger is available for Saturday’s tripto the Liberty Stadium, but will Alan Pardew throw him into the fray, or give him 30 minutes from the bench?

Ben Arfa returned to training from a hamstring injury earlier this month – but Pardew didn’t involve him in Sunday’s 4-2 Premier League home win over Southampton.

So, is the 25-year-old - who is attracting attention from Liverpool - primed for a cameo appearance at the Liberty Stadium?

However, such is the strength in depth at Newcastle after last month’s transfer activity, there are no guarantees Ben Arfa will make it on to the pitch in South Wales.

Alan Pardew: “We didn’t have the strength we’ve had on the bench.

“Perchie (James Perch) has come on (against Southampton) and looked controlled and shored us up. You’ve got the quality of (Vurnon) Anita coming on the pitch. It makes a big difference.”

"Ben Arfa is getting better – but he isn’t there yet. He might get a bit of time at Swansea.”

Source: Newcastle United Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD