The French midfielder was out for 13 months after breaking his leg against Manchester City last season.
As always with injuries like that, there are always doubts if the player will return to action 100% fit.
Many fans questioned Newcastle's decision to sign the player on a long term deal when he was in hospital facing a fight to save his career.
Alan Pardew: "Hatem did some great stuff up front for us, but look at his work at the other end. There is no problem with that.
"He works really, really hard and I said to him, 'Coming into this team, the one thing the other players are wanting to see from you is energy' because that is what we have had all year.
"Every player who has come in has given me energy and he [Ben Arfa] did give me that - and extra quality.
"Hopefully he can take us forward. Actually coming out of this game, when we get everyone back, we could be a stronger side."