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Hatem Ben Arfa


Rich

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Hatem Ben Arfa will be given the chance to play his part in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.

 

The French playmaker’s season had at one stage been written off by Alan Pardew after hamstring problems looked to have got the better of him.

 

However, the Toon star was up and running at St James’ Park as the Magpies tested the water to see how he is progressing from his latest injury comeback.

 

He did not end up landing a bench role against Fulham and is doubtful for the clash with Benfica on Thursday night.

 

However, Pardew reckons he has a chance of being involved against the Wearsiders.

 

He told the Chronicle: “What has happened with Hatem is the scan has shown he has scar tissue still in the hamstring.

 

“He is showing no ill- effects from it.

 

“We have sent him to three experts, mainly a French expert, who have been looking after him.

 

“He thinks he is now 100% and we are now treating him as that. “

 

Ben Arfa’s appearance as St James’ Park was filling up yesterday before the win over Fulham sparked excitement he was in with a late chance of playing against the Cottagers.

 

Yet he was merely brushing up on fitness work.

 

Pardew added: “He is running.

 

“There could be a cameo as soon as Sunderland – he has a week’s work.

 

“If he gets through that work, then he could be involved.”

 

Considering it looked as though the contributions this season of Ben Arfa – linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days – were over, even talk of his return is progress for Pardew.

 

The ex-Marseille man did not require an operation and has responded well to rest and recuperation back in  Clairefontaine.

 

Pardew says: “It would be a massive bonus for us, but it is still too early to call.

 

“After the last time, we said he would not play again this season.

 

“Half of me thought he might, though.

 

“I just wanted to clear his mind and see how he reacted.

 

“Hopefully, we will get a nice bonus.”

 

Pardew hopes to recall Massadio Haidara for the Tyne-Wear derby next Sunday and, after Davide Santon’s injury against Fulham he will need him at left-back.

 

Derby hero Ryan Taylor, though, faces a race against time to be ready against Paolo Di Canio’s side.

 

Pardew added: “Sadio trained on Monday.

 

“There is a good chance he could be involved on Thursday if we think he is OK.

 

“Ryan is still two or three weeks away, we think.”

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