Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits he had no idea where Hatem Ben Arfa was after defeat to Chelsea.

An exciting deadline-day loan signing from Newcastle, the 27-year-old has become persona non grata at the KC Stadium and has been omitted from the squad since last month's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Bruce retains there has been no bust-up with Ben Arfa, although does not expect him to don the amber and black shirt again.

"To be honest, I don't know if Hatem is in Paris," the Hull boss said in response to reports the midfielder has returned home. "That's the truth.

"As for not playing again for Hull City, then at the moment he's not in the squad and the transfer window opens in January.

"There are still conversations to be had with him, but at the moment he is not in the squad and he hasn't earned the right to be in the squad at the moment.

"I don't know if the report he is in France, or whatever it is, is true. I'm not sure."