Wearing black & white soonStephen Ireland anticipates being able to contribute to Newcastle United’s midfield very soon, whilst Hatem Ben Arfa’s comeback is delayed due to compassionate leave.
Stephen Ireland has been injured since he got here 3 weeks ago but it looks as if he’s nearing fitness now.
Apparently his recovery is going well and Ireland talked about it thusly:
“We thought it would be a couple of weeks.
“But I went running outside today at a decent level and decent pace, and I reckon it could be by the end of next week hopefully.
“I’ve just got to do a few more sessions and then see how far I can push it. If it goes well then I could be back soon.
“I haven’t got any specific game in mind. I’ve just got to take a day at a time really, because one day it could feel amazing and then the next day really bad. It’s quite strange, but I have to see how I feel on a day to day basis.
“I just need to get back on the field now. I’m frustrated with the injury I’ve got at the moment.(more…)
Ben Arfa: Career almost ruined by De Jong.There have been revelations by a representative of the player that Newcastle United wing wizard, Hatem Ben Arfa, is aiming for a return to action by March.
However, it has also been revealed by one of the doctors involved in his treatment that at one stage, his career could have been ended after a vicious ‘scissor’ tackle by Manchester City hatchet man, Nigel De Jong, on 3rd October, 2010. The challenge broke the Tibia and Fibula bones in the Ben Arfa’s lower leg.
Paris St Germain club doctor, Eric Rolland, who operated on the winger very soon after the break spoke of complications after the surgery was carried out, saying:
“Ben Arfa’s advisors called on me to do the surgery,” continuing.
“He needed a second operation in mid November.”
On the reason for the second operation, he added: (more…)
Ben Arfa: Could be some time yet.As speculation regarding the eargerly awaited return of Newcastle United’s French-Tunisian wing wizard, Hatem Ben Arfa, builds, there have been some mixed messages coming out of the Ben Arfa camp.
Today, the player’s representative, Simon Stainrod, was reported in that well known bastion of quality journalism, The Daily Star, as saying that:
“Hatem is absolutely flying.” adding
“He’s been away to Dubai for a bit of warm weather training and now he’s back in France and training really, really hard.”
However the player himself said in another interview that:
“The doctors told me I should not rush it. We must be rigorous in this regard.”
Ben Arfa’s leg was broken in two places by a vicious “scissor” tackle from Manchester City hatchet man, Nigel De Jong, on 3rd October, 2010. This was just over 3 months and 3 weeks ago, with De Jong breaking the player’s lower leg in two places (tibia and fibula). The average time it takes a broken lower leg (tibia or fibula) to heal is said to be up to around 6 months which is longer than usual as these bones have to support the weight of the whole body. These times can also be even longer with a double break and also if surgical correction is required. However, “healing” and being fully “match fit” and at the top of one’s game to play Premiership football, especially after a double break, can make the recovery process even longer in some cases. There is also the fact, as Ben Arfa’s doctors have hinted at, that rushing a return could be highly counterproductive and foolhardy in the long run. (more…)
Two players keen to returnNewcastle United’s Hatem Ben Arfa is hoping to be fully recovered from his double leg break within a month.
Benny was of course crocked by the delightful Nigel De Jong in our match against Manchester City last October. Initially it was thought that the player could be out for the rest of the season but, according to some tabloid reports, he’s planning a February comeback.
Benny’s agent – Simon Stainrod – said:
“I saw him last week and Hatem is absolutely flying.
“He’s been away to Dubai for a bit of warm weather training and now he’s back in France and training really, really hard.
“There are no miracles with an injury like his and he knows it is hard work that he needs to do, but he’s as fit as a fiddle.”
Best: Carling Nations call upAs an injury depleted Newcastle United hobbles it’s way through the middle part of the season, news came through that Leon Best has received his eighth international call up for the Republic of Ireland team.
The 24 year old hitman has been called for the squad for the Republic’s upcoming game against Wales on February 8th. This will be the first game in the inaugural ‘Carling Nations Cup’ to be held in Ireland. This comes fairly soon after the news that fellow striker, Shola Ameobi, has been selected for the Nigeria squad for a friendly match against Guatemala on February 9.
With Andy Carroll’s delayed return from a thigh injury, and Newcastle facing matches against and in form Blackburn team on the 12th, and a resceduled clash with Birmingham on the 15th (or possibly the 19th or 20th), this could be a worry for the already injury ravaged squad should the players pick up any knocks. If the worst were to happen, and both players were injured in some way, Peter Lovenkrands and Xisco would be the only remaining first team strikers. Current injuries include Steven Taylor (hamstring), Dan Gosling (knee), Alan Smith and Ryan Taylor (ankle and foot), Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg), as well as the aforementioned Carroll. (more…)
