Ben Arfa: On comeback trail

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Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has set a date for Hatem Ben Arfa's return from injury.

The French winger has been sidelined since suffering a horrific double leg-break against Manchester City in October.
The 23-year-old has since signed a permanent deal with Newcastle having initially joined on loan from Marseille and is progressing well on the comeback trail.
Pardew reckons the trip to Stoke on 19th March would be too soon for Ben Arfa to be in contention but has pencilled him in for Newcastle's next game, the home match against Wolves on 2nd April.
"You'd like to think he's got every chance of playing against Wolves," he told The Chronicle. "The Stoke
"He will not be toned up as he has been out for so long. He's running, but he's a good month away."
Ben Arfa will return to the club's Benton base next month in a bid to get match fit and make an impact in the Magpies' last eight games of the season.
Pardew has enjoyed another boost with Shola Ameobi set to ease the burden on makeshift strike pair Peter Lovenkrands and Leon Best after making a successful return to training.
Ameobi had been in Detroit to be fitted with a protective mask after breaking his cheekbone earlier this month, and Pardew hopes the 29-year-old striker will be available for next week's visit of Everton.

Ameobi mask

"Shola's running now and has his mask," said the Toon boss. "He knows he's got his work cut out to get back in this team.
"Peter and Leon weren't first choice at the start of the season but they have worked hard and are doing well."
Meanwhile, defender Steven Taylor (hamstring) is back in full training while Ryan Taylor (ankle) could be in contention for Saturday's home game against Bolton having been sidelined since October.

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