Steve Bruce: 'I don't know where Hatem Ben Arfa is'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has admitted that he is unsure if Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to his native France to improve his fitness.

The winger, who is on loan from Newcastle United, has struggled to cement a place in the Tigers' side with reports claiming that he is unhappy with life at Hull.

Asked if Ben Arfa was back in his homeland, Bruce told reporters: "I don't know if Hatem is in Paris, that's the truth. As for not playing for Hull City again – at the moment he's not in the squad.

"The transfer window opens in January, so there are still conversations to be had with him. But at the moment he's not in the squad and he hasn't earned the right to be in the squad."

Ben Arfa's Newcastle contract expires at the end of the season.