Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits they're grateful for support from the French FA.

Frenchman Ben Arfa has been out of action for 10 weeks with a hamstring injury and, although he returned to training earlier this week after undergoing treatment at the French National Technical Centre in Clairefontaine, Pardew had no intention of risking him in Kharkiv.

He said: "It was a no-brainer really. He has only been with us for two days from Clairefontaine, who have put him in a fantastic physical condition for us.

"We are very pleased with their contribution and we thank them for that.

"It underlines the relationship we have in France, to have that faith to let Hatem do his recovery there, as we would if Yohan Cabaye or any of our senior players preferred that route. That's worked out well.

"He looks short of match-fitness, but we hope to get him up to speed perhaps for the next round, if we make it.

"Sunday might me be too early for him too, but certainly Swansea, I would be looking for him to have some sort of cameo role from the bench if he progresses well."