Ketsbaia Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 I think he loves it here. I'm in the middle of reading 'Why England Lose', which is an excellent Freakonomics-style book by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski. They mention us a lot and keep citing 'footballing cities' like Marseille and Newcastle. Can imagine it being wonderful to play in that atmosphere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frazzle Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 Sounds like Ben Arfa bought a copy at Lyon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiston Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Forcing a move to PSG? Doubtful Mate of mine got and put a pic of him and HBA up on fbook when on the plane. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexthegreat Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8880498.Ben_Arfa___s_comeback_from_double_break_is_delayed/ Ben Arfa’s comeback from double break is delayed 4:21pm Monday 28th February 2011 LONG-TERM injured Newcastle striker Hatem Ben Arfa has had his comeback put on hold. Ben Arfa, who broke his tibia and fibula at Manchester City in October following a rash challenge by Nigel de Jong, had targeted United’s home fixture with struggling Wolves on April 2 as his return date. The French international has spent most of his time rehabilitating in France and Tunisia but was in the stands at St James’ Park to watch his side earn a share of the spoils in an open high-tempo contest against Bolton. The 23-year-old is keen to be in Alan Pardew’s 16 for the visit of Mick McCarthy’s side, but the United boss believes the Frenchman will not be ready. “He has set himself a personal target, but he is still in the process of recovery,” said Pardew. “To break both bones in his shin is tough, not just physically but mentally. He’s got a long road back. Whether he comes back into the first team at the level where we are at the moment, we’ll have to see.” The Newcastle manager quashed the suggestion the French international’s season is over, but acknowledged his comeback will be later than planned. “Certainly next year he will be a big player for us,” said the former West Ham, Charlton and Southampton boss. “But his recovery will take us into April, maybe May.” Yet while Pardew admitted he was relishing the return of club’s talented midfielder-cumstriker he made it known he will not just walk straight back into the first team. “I thought Leon Best was the best player on the pitch, so he has competition,” he said. “I can’t just say ‘he’s great player, give him a chance’. These players deserve to stay in the shirts. “I’d like to see him play this year but I am going to protect him.” The United chief believes his £5.5m acquisition from Olympique Marseille needs to get over not only the physical aspects of his injury. He also has to win an emotional and psychological battle. “He needs to get some training under his belt and games,” said Pardew. “I remember when Ian Wright broke his leg twice at Crystal Palace. When that first tackle happens and you come through that it gives you the confidence that you’re strong enough. Until then you have nagging doubts it isn’t as strong. Print Email Share Comments(0) Pardew mentioning May for a comeback now. Looks like we may need to wait until next season to see him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JH Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Keeping Best on the pitch ahead of Ben Arfa :lol: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeletor Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Keeping Best on the pitch ahead of Ben Arfa :lol: Hayden Mullins Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilko Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Keeping Best on the pitch ahead of Ben Arfa :lol: I don't believe him there like. It's obvious he'd put a fit Ben Arfa in the side somewhere, I think he's just using the old 'win the shirt and keep it' motivational technique. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David28 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Probably better to not play him again this campaign. We don't need him that much this season and he'll be a better player after a full pre season than without it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ameritoon Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Probably better to not play him again this campaign. We don't need him that much this season and he'll be a better player after a full pre season than without it. He should definitely make some sub appearances in May, at the very least. I don't see how it will help him for next season if he doesn't play. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punk77 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 This pisses me off. Are you aware of how much sexy football De Jong has taken away from us? f***ing hate that cretin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Venkman Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Yet while Pardew admitted he was relishing the return of club’s talented midfielder-cumstriker he made it known he will not just walk straight back into the first team. just me? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorJ_01 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 :lol: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JH Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Both Best and Ben Arfa should be on the pitch for us when all are fit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponsaelius Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 The Clairefontaine Documentary with Barfa as a bairn Shame I can't find it with English subs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colocho Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 At least he won't be coming back against Wolves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest je85 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Loosely related, Valencia returned to training for Manchester United today (not sure if his break was just before or after Ben Arfa's, can't be too far away though) but check out the difference in size between his legs. http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg620/scaled.php?tn=0&server=620&filename=2frwf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ameritoon Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 My friend had a similar injury to Ben Arfa last Spring, his legs were exactly the same as Valencia's there, and still kind of are. Building that muscle is definitely key before he returns. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponsaelius Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Speaking of Valencia, think having him back for the run in might just about seal the title. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I don't think they'll fuck it up from here anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Begbie Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Loosely related, Valencia returned to training for Manchester United today (not sure if his break was just before or after Ben Arfa's, can't be too far away though) but check out the difference in size between his legs. http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg620/scaled.php?tn=0&server=620&filename=2frwf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640 14th or 15th of september Valencia broke his leg. Ben Arfa was 3rd of october. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest je85 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Loosely related, Valencia returned to training for Manchester United today (not sure if his break was just before or after Ben Arfa's, can't be too far away though) but check out the difference in size between his legs. http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg620/scaled.php?tn=0&server=620&filename=2frwf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640 14th or 15th of september Valencia broke his leg. Ben Arfa was 3rd of october. Not a bad yardstick to keep an eye on then, see when he starts getting sub apps and full games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mimifrench Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Today, the news that Ben arfa is out for the season has been taken by all the French sport media ... I think what your coach said about ben arfa's return is not a good signal send to the player, unless he has talked to him privately. It is difficult to see that Ben arfa won't play until next season, but i repeat again pardew shouldn't have said that HBA was likely to play against the Wolves (he has made a big mistake, if i can say that). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponsaelius Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madras Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 is that not a reading of pardew saying he may not be and we'll take as long as it takes, maybe april maybe maybe next season ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts