Hatem Ben Arfa has been overlooked for Newcastle United reserves this weekend.
The Evening Chronicle says Ben Arfa has been handed a weekend off from playing - after being left out of Newcastle United's second string tonight at Blyth Spartans.
The French playmaker is also unlikely to play any part in Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad at St James' Park and has missed the entire pre-season programme with the first team after returning overweight this summer.
For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball