Hatem Ben Arfa Out Until New Year

Hatem Ben Arfa suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury against Fulham - after scoring a wonderful goal - and will be out until January.

Hatem Ben Arfa ruled out for the Christmas period - NUFC News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive

NEWCASTLE UNITED have been hit with fresh new hammer blow after learning that Hatem Ben Arfa will be ruled out for the festive period.

The French playmaker is set to miss the clash with Queens Park Rangers and the trips to Manchester United and Arsenal with the Magpies concerned that his hamstring injury could get worse if he's thrown into battle in December.

Alan Pardew continues to play with his team's formations, but Vurnon Anita earned all the plaudits for his performance against Manchester City, and looks set to continue in the side. Anita took set pieces in the absence of Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye. Though Newcastle are struggling, Anita and Demba Ba - who continues to score goals - look good bets this weekend against Queens Park Rangers.