Ben Arfa '100%' ready for relegation scrap
Hatem Ben Arfa has declared himself “100 per cent fit” for Newcastle’s Barclays Premier League run-in.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has appeared as a substitute in the Magpies’ last three games after finally shaking off a hamstring problem which had previously allowed him to start just one game since December.
However, in the club’s hour of need, Ben Arfa has confirmed he is ready to roll up his sleeves and give his all as Alan Pardew’s men attempt to drag themselves clear of relegation trouble.
Speaking in the matchday programme ahead of tomorrow evening’s clash with Liverpool, he said: “My hamstring is completely fine now and I feel happy that the injury has gone and I can return to full fitness. I am 100 per cent fit.
“I’m happy that I have come back into the team slowly and gradually. The manager and the doctor have put in place a programme to ensure I return gradually rather than rush back and get further problems in the future.
“I am happy with the work of the backroom staff and the manager because this was my first muscular injury and it was important that the healing ran its course.”
Newcastle head into the weekend six points clear of the drop zone with four games remaining.
