Ben Arfa: Impressed with Newcastle United's support.Righty right, with there being no real football for a couple of weeks, there has been a massive gaping hole in all things Newcastle United F.C. so I thought that a bit of a round up was in order:
It seems that not only the French press (sacred bleu), but the fellow French Professional footballers, particularly the ones up for a move in the summer, and friends and international collegues of one Hatem Ben Arfa have been very immpressed by the way that Hatem has been treated by NUFC during his time injued. Not just because we had the balls to sign the lad whilst injured, but the fact that the Chairman, representatives of the club and even Mike Ashley himself have apprarently been to check on the lads recovery over the months he’s been rehabilitating over in Clairefontaine, the French centre of football excellence.
They seem truly immpressed, honestly, that we’ve pushed the boat out to make the lad aware of how much he is wanted and that he feels part of our great club.
Ireland: One of several players rushed back too soon?Newcastle United are currently having injury problems, and the journey to the end of our return season in the Premier League may be longer and harder than expected with key players out. Of course, injuries happen in football, some are unavoidable, however some are the inevitable consequence of poor training methods, including pushing players too far too soon. Has this been the case with Newcastle players such as Dan Gosling and Stephen Ireland?
Ireland, who was carrying a knee injury when signed on loan from Aston Villa was all set for his debut against Everton last Saturday, however a thigh strain picked up in training has ruled him out for another stretch, with the midfielder looking certain to also miss Newcastle’s next match against Stoke. Obviously, a thigh strain isn’t the same as a knee injury, however after such a long time on the sidelines, it’s a possibilty that the thigh strain was a result of the player being pushed too quickly after a fairly long spell out.
Speaking in a recent interview on the Ireland injury, Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew also conceeded that this was a possibilty, saying:
“We knew when we took him he was injured but this thigh strain, like anything when you’ve been out for a long time, you pick up these little injuries,” (more…)
Ben Arfa after his wonder goal against the ToffeesTomorrow’s match will see Newcastle at home facing an Everton side who have been somewhat erratic this season, recording two wins, two draws and two losses in their last six games. Then again, Newcastle have had their inconsistent spells too as they rebuild and reacclimatise to life back in the top tier of English football.
Newcastle do have a pretty good record against the “Toffees” in recent years though, especially at home, with Everton chalking up just two victries in the previous sixteen encounters between the sides at St James’s Park. The last one coming way back when Everton were under the management of Walter Smith!
This is no excuse for laxity though against a side who can be outstanding on a good day. A key player for Everton could be one of the most underestimated players in the Premier League. We may have he considerable talent of Jose Enrique at left back, however the Toffees have the equally outstanding Leighton Baines. Despite his defensive role, the full back has provided the assists for no less than 24% of Everton’s goals this season, a remarkable figure I think you’ll agree. (more…)
Laughing gas but no lauging matterNewcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is reported to be suffering another delay in his recovery.
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. (more…)
Hatem Ben Arfa back from injury in AprilNewcastle United manager Alan Pardew is targeting the match against Wolves on 2nd April for the return of Hatem Ben Arfa. Injuries to other team members are progressing well too.
Ben Arfa was of course crocked by Nigel de Jong whose crunching tackle managed to elicit a double break in Ben Arfa’s leg.
It’s the sort of injury that can knock players out for an entire season, so the fact that he’s making a comeback before the end of this season is good news indeed.
Talking about Ben Arfa’s injury, Pardew said:
“You’d like to think he’s got every chance of playing against Wolves.
“The Stoke game is probably too soon for him.
“He will not be toned up as he has been out for so long. He’s running, but he’s a good month away.” (more…)
