Danny Simpson admits Newcastle United teammates fear the worst for Hatem Ben Arfa.
The French winger had been whacked on the same left leg which was horrifically broken in two places by Manchester City enforcer Nigel de Jong last October.
This time it was his ankle which was thumped by a late challenge from Sporting Kansas City's Honduran hardman Roger Espinoza after just 30 minutes.
Simpson, was gutted for the £5million ace and said: "We were all concerned for him.
"We know exactly what he's been through and how hard he has worked to come back."
Boss Alan Pardew insisted after a drab 0-0 draw Ben Arfa, who has now flown back to Tyneside for more checks, was "OK".
But the player, 24, left the Toon hotel on crutches wearing a protective cast on his leg.
