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Ben Arfa joins Cabaye on the sidelines

Hatem Ben Arfa will be missed by Newcastle © PA Photos

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Hatem Ben Arfa will miss Sunday's trip to Southampton after picking up an injury in Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw with Maritimo.

Ben Arfa, 25, was starting his first game in the competition this season but was forced off in the first half with a suspected hamstring strain - the result of which will likely see him out of contention for several weeks.

"It's a hamstring problem, so it will definitely keep him out on Sunday, and probably next week. I don't know from then on," Pardew said. "I don't think it's a tear, according to the doctor, so it's not a long injury, but it will certainly keep him out for the immediate future."

The news is a further blow to the Magpies, who earlier this week learned that Yohan Cabaye could be out until January with a groin problem.

With Fabricio Coloccini serving the last of his three game suspension, the club are missing several first-team regulars for their trip to St Mary's

However, there is some positive news for the club, with Pardew confirming he is hopeful that Papiss Cisse - who was also forced off with an injury on Thursday - will make Sunday's game.

"He got a kick on the thigh and he was starting to limp with it because it tightened up over half time, so unfortunately I had to take him off when I didn't really want to," Pardew said. "With no striker on the bench, it was proving problematic.

"Shola looks doubtful for the next couple of weeks but Papiss, I think, has got a good chance for Sunday. Hopefully we have done enough to protect him."

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