De Jong seeks meeting with Ben Arfa

The Frenchman 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.

Ben Arfa has only just returned to action and manager Alan Pardew sat him down to ask him if the psychological impact of returning to the scene of his agonising misfortune was a concern. Pardew said: "I had a conversation with him about it because I think you could carry some demons when you have an injury like that."

He added: "But he was absolutely clear to me that he has no problem about going back there, no problem about facing their particular player.

"The player 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."

Ben Arfa could find himself involved as then Barclays Premier League leaders entertain the surprise occupants of third place with Leon Best struggling to shake off a groin problem.

However, there will be no place for compatriot Sylvain Marveaux. The winger, like Best, suffered a groin injury during the 2-1 victory over Everton on November 5, and is now facing surgery which will sideline him for some time.

Pardew said: "He will have an operation this week, probably. That could be a while."

Source: PA

Source: PA