Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has discussed the subject of facing Man City with Hatem Ben Arfa after Nigel de Jong asked for a meeting.
Pardew holds talks with Frenchman amid fears of 'demons'
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has discussed the subject of facing Manchester City with Hatem Ben Arfa after Nigel de Jong asked to meet the Frenchman.
Ben Arfa suffered a double leg fracture in a challenge by the Holland international the last time they went head-to-head on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium in October last year.
The 24-year-old has only just returned to action and manager Pardew has asked him if the psychological impact of returning to the scene of his agonising misfortune was a concern.
Pardew said on Thursday: "I had a conversation with him this morning about it because I think you could carry some demons when you have an injury like that.
"But he was absolutely clear to me this morning that he has no problem about going back there, no problem about facing their particular player.
"The player (De Jong) has contacted him, which I appreciate as the manager of the other team, and he wants to see Hatem. We have said after the game would be a good time, not before. Hopefully, that will then come to rest.
"At the time, I thought - and I wasn't the manager at the time - it was a bad tackle, but they do happen in the game and unfortunately Hatem suffered a severe injury.
"What I do know is, a year down the line - and it has taken that long - he is back somewhere near his best, and that's good news for us."
