AlanSkÃrare

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6434796,00.html Newcastle manager Chris Hughton admits he does not know whether Hatem Ben Arfa will remain at the club after his return from injury. The French winger, who is on a season-long loan at St James' Park from Marseille, suffered a horrendous double leg break against Manchester City last weekend following a challenge from Nigel de Jong. Ben Arfa, 23, has undergone surgery but is expected to be sidelined for six months with the injury, meaning he will be unable to make the 25 appearances necessary to trigger an automatic move to the Magpies. Boss Hughton does not know what the future holds for the winger but thinks it is going to be a tough recovery from hereon in. "I don't know what is going to happen in terms of his transfer," Hughton told the Newcastle Journal. Discuss "It is something for the various parties to discuss when the time is right. At the moment all we can concentrate on is making sure we get him back to full fitness. "The hard work starts now. He has had the operation and now he has to start thinking about rehab. This is the really tough time for any player who suffers a serious injury. "Most do at some point in their careers, most will have a long-term injury but it is sad it has happened so early in his. "It is mentally tough when you know you have such a long time without playing football. "That's the hardest part of a serious injury and that is what Hatem has got ahead of him." Ben Arfa had looked like an excellent signing by Hughton until his injury, with the flair player netting a superb long-range effort against Everton in September.

Krul - S. Taylor, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique - Tioté, Barton, Guthrie - Ben Arfa, Carroll, Jonas Would be my team if everyone was fit.

We're writing him a letter from the main Swedish Newcastle website with 40-50 names wishing him the best of luck. Anyway, I've been assigned to mail it.. What adress is the best one to go for? I'm thinking the club and then let them forward it to him.

thats the one not sure on it tbh Wasn't he Bolton's record signing at something like £10m. They will want a profit on that especially as he is playing well now so it won't happen. Elmander's contract is up next summer, and this is a bit of a specialty of ours it seems. Either this is true and we are trying to capitalise on his contract running out, or this rumour is being sent out in order to get him a new deal. That's the thing. Even though he has had a tough first two seasons in England I think he is starting to find his feet now. Has always been very capable for Sweden. 4 goals in 7 games this season I reckon.. Elmander is a player who can run and run for ages and is fairly good in the air, but his finishing isn't all that though. He might score the occasional goal with his feet but he wastes far too much. And I say this a Swede.. His finishing for us in qualifiers hasn't been that bad, and at Toulouse he had no trouble scoring. Probably just a case of confidence returning to him now.

thats the one not sure on it tbh Wasn't he Bolton's record signing at something like £10m. They will want a profit on that especially as he is playing well now so it won't happen. Elmander's contract is up next summer, and this is a bit of a specialty of ours it seems. Either this is true and we are trying to capitalise on his contract running out, or this rumour is being sent out in order to get him a new deal. That's the thing. Even though he has had a tough first two seasons in England I think he is starting to find his feet now. Has always been very capable for Sweden. 4 goals in 7 games this season I reckon..

Swedish media reporting that we're chasing Elmander in the january window. Wouldn't be the worst of signings, very good alternative and complement to Carroll.

Finding it very hard to accept this. Just hope to god that we somehow manage to get him back onto the pitch again and sign him come the end of the season. Like someone said earlier in the thread; I haven't looked forward this much to the weekends since Sir Bobby's days - and this lad is the reason. His performance at Everton honestly made me dream about what he could do for us. I'd just hate it if this is all we'll get to see from him.

What a signing. Immense today again. Wins everything and rarely gives the ball away. Massive player for us. If Barton can rediscover his form from the first few games we have a very capable centre midfield partnership there.

Really good first half performance. I'd get Carroll on at some point second half, may be for Nolan to threat them even more up front. Coloccini and Gutierrez were fantastic.

Colo has been class as usual. Our two best players are coming off injured, and still this has been an impressive performance so far.

Really? This aswell? Great day this

Shola and Nolan up front then. Exciting.

Is JJB always this empty? looked like an attendance of about 7 people.

I think today's starting line-up is good to go with away from home (maybe switch Perch and Routledge for "whoever" and Jonas), but playing at home, especially against a side of Stokes nature, we have to get more bodies into the box which is never going to happen with Nolan sitting behind Carroll. Pull him out of the side and let Jonas-Ben Arfa-Routledge do some damage and create space for each other. Like someone else said, Colo for captain every day of the week. He's on top, top form as well, our best player today.

Gold and Sullivan seem to be mental both of them so they'll probably sack Grant way too early. I think Martinez will go first though.

Just hope we play keep playing the sort of possession football we played against Everton (first half especially) on Sunday, that's the way to beat them. Carroll vs Shawcross and Huth should be entertaining. I reckon Ben Arfa could give them hell if we keep it on the ground enough.

Really is a case of blessing in disguise this. I really feel for Harper who hasn't done that much wrong, even though there are indications that he might cost us points this season. Similarities to the way Carroll got his chance because of Shola's injury last season, hopefully the same outcome.

How is Man City away winnable?

Still to concede his first league goal isn't he? That's a jinx for you.

Would have Nile ahead of Ameobi as well.

One of the few games I would've started 4-4-2 in. We beat the lesser teams in the Championship more comefortably by going two up front. Could have given Lövenkrands or Shola a start today since we was never going to play Ranger.

Any team news?

Can't believe nothing has come out yet.

They're probably just waiting to see if Bob Bradley is ready to confirm his interest in the job or not

Ibrahimovic was magic against Hungary yesterday. Ponus Wernbloom who got both of our goals looks a very accomplished midfielder. Could end up in the Premiership soon.