Ben Arfa has no ill effects after what was his first game in two-and-a-half weeks.
But the scan results suggest otherwise, and the feeling is that the player will not be risked for the visit of the champions.
But ... are Pardew and Mancini playing mind-games? Because that is the impression they are giving.
Mancini claims his skipper, Vincent Kompany, has a "2% chance of playing" ... and Pardew says the same about Ben Arfa.
But don't rule out both players suddenly being blessed with miracles - and starting the game on Saturday.
Alan Pardew: “We’ve got a strange situation with him in that he feels unrestricted, but the scan does not suggest that – we can’t afford to take a gamble with him.
“So my gut feeling is he won’t play.”
His absence is likely to mean a recall for either James Perch or Shola Ameobi, with Sylvain Marveaux also doubtful.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Obertan (toe) remains sidelined, but could return for the QPR game next weekend.