The forward has been sidelined for more than a month, and not always through injury.
He had a fall-out with Alan Pardew after the Toon boss singled him out for criticism in two consecutive games, and it is still thought he could move on in the summer.
Ben Arfa was expected to be in the squad for this afternoon’s game against Fulham at Craven Cottage, but that hasn't happened.
Instead, Ben Arfa – who trained alone with a fitness coach on Thursday – stayed behind on Tyneside to work on his conditioning, having been given time off this month to visit his family as he recovered from a groin problem.
He is the THIRD French player to cry off this weekend, following "injury" to Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy this week in training.
And if you believe that ...
Alan Pardew: “Hatem had a family issue, and he had to miss a week’s training.
“He’s going to work this weekend. Hopefully, he’ll pick up some fitness between now and Crystal Palace.”