Hatem Ben Arfa could be back for Newcastle United in time for the derby against Sunderland.

Toon boss Alan Pardew reckons he has a chance of being involved against the Wearsiders.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "What has happened with Hatem is the scan has shown he has scar tissue still in the hamstring.

"He is showing no ill- effects from it.

"We have sent him to three experts, mainly a French expert, who have been looking after him.

"He thinks he is now 100% and we are now treating him as that. "