Alan Pardew hopeful for Hatem Ben Arfa return

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has highlighted the importance of Hatem Ben Arfa's return to fitness for his side.

Ben Arfa had been impressive for the Magpies before suffering a hamstring injury that has seen him miss the last four games.

However, the France international could return for tomorrow's match against Fulham, and Pardew admitted that he would not hesistate to play him if he is fit enough.

"If he is fit enough to play, it would be important because he's a good player - a great player," Pardew said.

"If there was one defender to beat and I had to choose a player too take him on beat him, it would be Hatem. That's his real strength."

Newcastle currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League table, while a win tomorrow could see them rise to 12th.