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Hughton rules out signings

Image: Hughton: No January signings

Manager Chris Hughton claims he does not need to add to his Newcastle squad in January.

Toon chief happy with squad despite Ben Arfa injury

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton claims he does not need to add to his squad in January, despite losing Hatem Ben Arfa to a long-term injury. Hughton is adamant the promoted club will not be looking to dip into the market when it re-opens in the New Year after Ben Arfa's horrific injury during the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. The Magpies boss feels he has sufficient cover for the mercurial Frenchman, even though the on-loan winger suffered a double-leg break at Eastlands last Sunday. With the likes of summer signing Dan Gosling, as well as midfielder Danny Guthrie both pencilled in for returns from lengthy absences in the coming weeks, Hughton insists he will not be making any enquires in the next transfer window.

Disappointed

"I'm disappointed to have lost a player of Hatem's quality - but we'll not over-react to one injury in what is a very strong squad," he told Newcastle's official website. "We won't be adding to the squad in January; I feel we have a lot of strength in depth with the players we have already and there's no need to add to it. "We completed our squad before the last transfer window and I'm extremely pleased with the players we brought in. Mike Ashley and the board were financially very supportive and, together, we did some very good business in the summer."