Mixed messages on Ben Arfa return.

January 26th, 2011 | 84 Comments |

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…)