As Newcastle struggle to get the Frenchman off his sick bed, the Barcelona star continues to dazzle the world.
Lionel Messi and David Villa combined to devastating effect to see off Rayo Vallecano 3-1 and help Barcelona restore their 13-point lead at the top of the Primera Division.
Rayo could not handle the partnership which accounted for all three goals - Villa opening the scoring before Messi netted twice to extend his stunning goalscoring record to 18 successive league matches.
The visitors remain in mid-table but can feel satisfied with an enterprising display which saw them create numerous chances before Raul Tamudo grabbed a late consolation.
Ben Arfa has scored 25 career goals; Messi has scored 233 (and counting).