The 23-year old, who is on loan at St James' Park from Marseille with a view to a permanent move, was injured after just three minutes of the game against Manchester City following a challenge from midfielder Nigel De Jong .
Ben Arfa's agent Michel Oazine told French radio station RTL L'Equipe that the player will be missing for at least the next six months.
A statement released by Newcastle on Sunday read: "X-rays taken this afternoon have confirmed that he has suffered a broken tibia and fibula of his left leg.
"He will undergo surgery tomorrow morning.
"Everyone connected with the club sends Hatem their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
"At this stage no time limit has been put on his expected return date."