Ben Arfa’s recovery has been very slow, and his agent didn't help by telling us in March "he is doing far better than we expected and he will be back in the team before the end of the season".
He returned to Tyneside at the start of April but it was obvious he was well BEHIND schedule rather than AHEAD.
Alan Pardew: “I would dismiss that straight away. I don’t see any problem with him coming back just as good as he was.
“You’re talking about a really bad break. And I think we were buoyed by his last visit because he was a lot, lot better within himself.
“I think anyone who has suffered an injury like that, you’ve got to give him time, you’ve got to understand what is happening.
“You don’t rush it and we won’t with Hatem (Ben Arfa).
“I know we made noises that he might play in those last three games but realistically, I never gave him a chance.
“I was trying to keep the boy’s head up to be honest. I don’t want him to see negative press so I said he might play in those three games.
“But I thought I was doing the right thing for Hatem, so that he genuinely felt he had a chance because he was quite low about his training, his workrate and everything.
“Once he knew he wasn’t going to make the games he probably accepted that and now he is aiming to be ready for July 4.”
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net