Benny’s return delayed further, but he’ll have to earn his place too
Posted on March 1st, 2011 | 27 Comments |
A few days ago Alan Pardew was hopeful that Ben Arfa would be back for the Wolves game on the 2nd April, but it’s now looking like it could be closer to the end of the season before he’s fit enough to play if indeed he plays again at all this season.
Pardew said:
“He has set himself a personal target, but he is still in the process of recovery
“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.
“Certainly next year he will be a big player for us.
“But his recovery will take us into April, maybe May.”
Reading between the lines (“Certainly next year …” etc.), I think we’ll be lucky to see Ben Arfa on the pitch again this season. Still, who knows eh? He might be lucky and get a game or two in May.
It’s a shame because, although we didn’t see too much of him before Nigel de Jong clattered him, he does look like the sort of player who can change games.
Mind you, Pardew has warned that he not only has to be fully recovered but he’ll also have to earn his place back. Pardew said:
“I thought Leon Best was the best player on the pitch [on Saturday], so he has competition.
“I can’t just say ‘he’s great player, give him a chance’.
“I’d like to see him play this year but I am going to protect him.
“He needs to get some training under his belt and games.
“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.”
Interesting, though, that Pardew seems to see Ben Arfa as competition for Best’s place rather than one of the wingers or elsewhere in the midfield.
Either way, let’s hope Ben Arfa is fit again soon.
Oh yeah Best is great but I bet frigging Shola walks straight back in to the line up.