Alan Pardew hopeful of Hatem Ben Arfa return

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed that Hatem Ben Arfa may feature in tonight's clash with Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Magpies make the trip to Russia for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with the mega-rich outfit, but will be without regulars Papiss Cisse and Jonas Gutierrez.

However, the 51-year-old coach said that the French winger could return from a hamstring problem which has kept him out of action since December.

"[Ben Arfa's] travelled," Pardew told reporters. "I think that at some point tomorrow you'll see him, hopefully."

The 25-year-old has scored three goals in his 13 appearances this season.