Manager Alan Pardew has revealed that Hatem Ben Arfa will be available for tomorrow's Europa League tie against Benfica.

The French international had initially been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

However, he could feature against the Portuguese club tomorrow after making what Pardew has described as an "unbelievable recovery".

"Hatem has made an unbelievable recovery. He will be involved tomorrow and I'm sure if he's needed he will be somebody that can turn the game," he told the club's official website.

A succession of injuries has limited the 26-year-old to just 15 appearances this season.

Written by
Liam Apicella