Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew admits Hatem Ben Arfa will be sidelined until the New Year.
The French winger sustained a hamstring injury in the Europa League against Maritimo last month which he hurt on his return in the loss at Fulham last week and Pardew insists he will not risk him before Christmas.
"There is a danger he could tear his hamstring," said Pardew.
"If he did that he would be out for two or three months whereas if we do it the right way and be sensible about it, it may only be three weeks. And obviously that is the route we are going to take."
