Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to Tunisia for a period of rest and recuperation after breaking his leg at Eastlands.
The playmaker will spend time with his family in Africa before returning to Newcastle to continue his rehabilitation on Tyneside.
Nigel de Jong's robust challenge broke Ben Arfa's tibia and fibula.
No timescale has been placed on the French international's absence, but he will play little football before his season-long loan from Marseilles expires in the summer.