Newcastle United is suffering the price for not strengthening their roster after finishing fifth last season.
Alan Pardew’s hopes for expanding on that triumph have been thwarted by injuries and bans, as well as persistent rumors of Demba Ba’s exit. Because of the inconsistency in the starting lineup, the squad has struggled to develop a rhythm anywhere on the field, and success has been difficult to come by.
In the January transfer window, Pardew must delve into owner Mike Ashley’s finances to reinforce his shaky squad. Relegation is looming, as the team is still missing crucial players. The current status of those injuries and suspensions, as well as news from elsewhere within the club, is detailed here.
Cabaye, Yohan
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Cabaye has been out with a groin injury this season, and the French midfielder is anticipated to be out until at least the middle of January, according to TheMag.co.uk.
More upsetting news comes in the form of rumors linking Cabaye to Arsenal, a club that would definitely be appealing. According to the Daily Star, Arsene Wenger is keeping a careful eye on Cabaye’s comeback from injury and may wait until the summer to make a move for him.
Newcastle’s Premier League status appears to be at stake in the latter parts of this season, and Pardew will need Cabaye to be available. His midfield creativity has been badly missed this season, and his successors haven’t been delivering at the same level.
Cabaye’s future on Tyneside isn’t something Pardew will be thinking about right now; his priority is getting him back to full fitness and on the pitch.
Hatem Ben Arfa is an Arabic name.
Ben Arfa made a brief appearance in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham, during which the team appeared to have improved significantly. However, it appeared that his return was too soon, and he hasn’t been in the side since.
Ben Arfa will miss the entirety of Newcastle’s Christmas fixtures, according to Pardew (via The Independent), and there has been no indication of improvement from the hamstring injury that was aggravated during the Fulham encounter.
