The 24-year-old Frenchman headed back to Tyneside on Thursday after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher during the friendly clash with Sporting Kansas City.
Ben Arfa's left ankle was damaged in a challenge by Roger Espinoza half an hour into the contest.
Alan Pardew: "Hatem is going to have a few demons from that injury he had last year.
"I am hoping he's okay. We took him off as a precaution - he was a bit shocked by the challenge, I think - but we think he will be okay."
The full extent of Ben Arfa's injury will not be known until the swelling has subsided.
Ben Arfa broke both the tibia and fibula in his left leg in a challenge by Manchester City's Nigel de Jong on October 3, and underwent a length period of recovery and rehabilitation before he returned to the club towards the end of last season.