© EuroFootball.com
French national team and Newcastle United right-back Hatem Ben Arfa has dropped out of the lineup until the end of the season.
The footballer suffered a calf injury in the first leg match of the UEFA Europa League, where the English team faced the "Anzhi" club. He ran onto the lawn, but his calf injury recurred and he will need surgery. Before that, the 26-year-old defender missed 12 weeks without football.
"He will need surgery, so he is likely not to play for the rest of the season. These are very bad news. Ben Arfa gave us the 'X' factor against opponents and we will miss him," Alan Pardew did not hide his disappointment.
On Thursday night, a late goal by Papiss Cisse led the team to the Europa League quarterfinals, where Newcastle will face Benfica. The team's coach said he was pleased with this lucky draw.
"These are good omens. 'Estadio da Luz' is a great place. I've been there and I think it's a great stadium. It's important that we will play the second leg at home which will give us an advantage. I hope that during the return match in our stadium, there will be the same great atmosphere as in the match against 'Anzhi'," said A. Pardew.
